SPRADM3 March   2025 AWR1243 , AWR1642 , AWR1843 , AWR1843AOP , AWR2243 , AWR2544 , AWR2944 , AWR2944P , AWR6443 , AWR6843 , AWR6843AOP , AWRL1432 , AWRL6432 , IWR2944

 

  1.   1
  2.   Abstract
  3.   Trademarks
  4. 1Introduction
  5. 2Terminology
  6. 3Discover Phase
    1. 3.1 What is a mmWave Sensor?
    2. 3.2 Why are mmWave Sensors Required in Automotive and ADAS?
    3. 3.3 Understanding Frequency Choice and Regulations
    4. 3.4 What is Imaging Radar?
    5. 3.5 How to Check TI Portfolio and Select Product?
      1. 3.5.1 Selecting a Part Based on Application
  7. 4Evaluation Phase
    1. 4.1 Hardware
      1. 4.1.1 EVM
      2. 4.1.2 DCA1000EVM
    2. 4.2 Software and Tools
      1. 4.2.1 Software Development Kits (SDK)
      2. 4.2.2 Radar Toolbox
      3. 4.2.3 mmWave DFP
      4. 4.2.4 mmWave Sensing Estimator
      5. 4.2.5 mmWave Studio
      6. 4.2.6 Code Composer Studio™
      7. 4.2.7 UniFlash
    3. 4.3 Find and Select the Right Partner Resource
  8. 5Development Phase
    1. 5.1 Primary and Secondary Bootloader
    2. 5.2 SDK
    3. 5.3 Compilers
    4. 5.4 RF Front-end Configurations and mmWave DFP
    5. 5.5 Safety Aspects
    6. 5.6 Security Aspects
    7. 5.7 Signal Processing Chain
      1. 5.7.1 How Can FMCW Radars Be Used?
    8. 5.8 MCAL and Autosar
    9. 5.9 Hardware Module Design
  9. 6Production Phase
    1. 6.1 Calibration
    2. 6.2 mmWave Production Testing
    3. 6.3 FCC and RED Compliance
    4. 6.4 Functional Safety Certification
    5. 6.5 Quality Process and Customer Returns
      1. 6.5.1 Customer Return Process
      2. 6.5.2 Reference
    6. 6.6 OTP KeyWriter
  10. 7Summary
  11. 8References

3.2 Why are mmWave Sensors Required in Automotive and ADAS?

As the level of autonomy in cars increases, choosing the right number and type of sensors becomes more complex. Traditional sensing options are available, but over the years, the application of radar within the automotive industry has positively evolved the definition of safety and efficiency.

Because radars can work in extreme environmental conditions such as rain, snow, dust, and bright sunlight and also provide precise distance and velocity information, radar is considered the most appropriate sensing modality to meet New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) requirements. Vehicle architectures are increasingly relying on smart radar sensors, with all processing occurring at the edge to send object lists to central electronic control units.

Radar sensing has become a cost-efficient sensing modality for required advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) functions and to meet the Society for Automotive Engineers vehicle autonomy levels 2+ and even 3+, as shown in the Figure 3-3.

Autonomy Levels and Corresponding Sensing Requirements Figure 3-3 Autonomy Levels and Corresponding Sensing Requirements

The Euro New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) recently updated the standards for radar to improve driver assistance features in new cars. NCAP standards vary by region. In the U.S., the NCAP is governed by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Global NCAP is a centralized organization. However, all organizations have the same goal: to set standards that make cars and driving safer. The organizations provide ratings in the form of 0-5 stars to help consumers make informed new car buying decisions.

TI Reference Collaterals