Microwave Vision Group, Konrad Technologies, and NI Release Small Footprint CATR Radar Test System

Microwave Vision Group, Konrad Technologies, and NI Release Small Footprint CATR Radar Test System

FREMONT, CA: As Automated Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) rapidly progress toward Level 5 Automated Driving Systems (ADS) capabilities, automotive radar sensor technology and accompanying testing continue to evolve. Anti-collision radar subsystems are critical components in safety-critical applications, providing a reliable and accurate perception of the vehicle’s environment. Beyond multi-mode capabilities, radar sensors have advanced to include high definition, MIMO, and wide aperture radars with increased range, resolution, and far-field distances. The larger apertures and more extended far-field lengths present new challenges for the sensors' existing validation and manufacturing tests, necessitating the development of following generation test capabilities. MVG, Konrad Technologies (KT), and NI (formerly National Instruments) are pleased to announce the availability of the MVG Compact Antenna Test Range (CATR) integrated with the KT Vehicle Radar Test System (VRTS) built on the NI test platform.

MVG KT CATR RTS is a fully integrated validation and production testing solution. This integrated solution performs accurate radio frequency measurements for automotive radar sensors in the quiet zone of an accessible and portable CATR system that has already proven its value for measuring high-frequency antennas. KT VRTS is installed under the anechoic chamber with an extension adjacent to the feed, allowing an optimal dynamic range. The MVG KT CATR RTS is the ideal solution for seamless development and production of long-range, high-resolution radar sensors through indirect far-field measurements with an easily accessible positioner developed to accommodate radar sensors, MVG state-of-the-art reflector technology, and the KT Radar Test System.

“We are very excited to bring the full KT VRTS radar test capability for scenario-based and RF measurement-based tests into a high-throughput, production-ready CATR application for wide aperture radar sensors, “says Mr. Michael Konrad, CEO for Konrad Technologies.  “Especially since we are seeing a huge growth in adoption for these sensors in ADAS and ADS applications.”  

"We are particularly pleased to combine the technology of our CATR systems with KT's Radar Test Systems and NI technology in order to provide the automotive industry with a solution perfectly suited for the testing of high definition and long-range radar sensors that meets the testing challenges of Automated Driving Assistance Systems evolution,” says Gianni Barone, MVG Sales Director.

“NI is proud to provide the radar test instrumentation that Konrad Technologies and MVG need to accelerate innovation for modern ADAS, and bring us one step closer to Vision Zero,’ says Christian Gindorf, Electronics Production Test BDM Lead, Transportation BU. “NI’s OTA radar test solutions meet the reliability, accuracy, and repeatability requirements to build open systems that adapt to rapidly changing requirements and help radar manufacturers get to market faster.”

MVG, KT, and NI welcome the results of this joint effort to provide the automotive industry with a turn-key solution to accelerate the development of radar sensor technology and ADAS progress.