US Monolithics of Gilbert, Arizona, have developed an automotive radar system-on-a-chip that can improve driver safety for middle- and low-end vehicles too. The microcircuit, which has been developed in collaboration with Smart Microwave Sensors of Braunschweig, Germany, incorporates radar front end functions onto a single microchip in order to reduce cost and improve performance in automotive radar collision avoidance systems.
Using radio frequency (RF) and digital control functions, the product determines the position, speed, and direction of multiple objects. This enables adaptive cruise control, assistance in changing lanes, blind zone visibility, stop-and-go speed regulation, and collision avoidance.
Radar distance warning systems are becoming common in luxury vehicles. However, with this next generation system-on-a-chip design, it can be made available to manufacturers of middle and low end vehicles, says Fred Wachter, director of commercial markets for US Monolithics.
US Monolithics produce custom microwave technology for high frequency communications in commercial, military, and space applications, while Smart Microwave Sensors is a leader in 24 GHz narrowband, medium-range radar systems.