- Rohde & Schwarz has teamed up with IPG Automotive, a specialist in virtual driving tests, to develop a solution for HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) integration testing of automotive radars.
- This solution aims to reduce costs by enabling autonomous vehicle (AD) testing to be carried out in the laboratory rather than in the field.
- Combining the CarMaker simulation software from IPG Automotive with the R&S AREG800A radar object simulator and the R&S QAT100 antenna array provides vehicle manufacturers with the ability to simulate ADAS/AD scenarios like those defined in the Euro NCAP.
This combination provides automotive OEMs and radar sensor suppliers with a comprehensive radar sensor testing platform. It is applicable for validation and real-time, closed-loop characterization of radar sensors and enables compliance with ASAM standards (Association for Standardisation of Automation and Measuring systems).
IPG Automotive’s CarMaker simulation solution is designed for development and end-to-end testing of cars and light commercial vehicles at all development stages from MIL/SIL (Model-in-the-Loop/Software-in-the-Loop) to VIL (Vehicle-in-the-Loop) and HIL (Hardware-in-the-loop) .
Virtual test scenarios
The open integration and test platform allows vehicle manufacturers, engineering services companies and Tier 1 suppliers to implement virtual test scenarios in the application areas of powertrain, vehicle dynamic chassis functions and ADAS/AD functions. Thanks to a high-resolution 3D engine, the simulation of the complete sensor stack is possible in very high detail. Seamless integration into existing tool landscapes is also possible with a variety of supported standards and interfaces like the ASAM Open Standards.
The R&S AREG800A, in conjunction with the R&S QAT100, generates multiple artificial objects, each with independent range, Radar Cross Section (RCS), angle (azimuth/elevation) and radial velocity. The Open Simulation Interface (ASAM OSI) links R&S AREG800A with the CarMaker HIL test automation, creating a test setup, proving valuable for realistic driving scenario assessment within radar HIL testing. Moreover, the solution includes a Scenario Editor, specifically designed for non-simulation experts. This feature simplifies the process of testing maneuver-based driving scenarios and their associated complex traffic-related configurations and makes it accessible to a wider range of professionals.
Automation of test sequences
The simulation solution CarMaker features an Test Manager, capable of building and running automated test sequences. It can run tests individually or simultaneously, locally or in the cloud, providing flexibility and scalability. Additionally, it automates the calculation and evaluation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and generates reports automatically, thereby saving time and effort.
The Model Manager CarMaker helps to define the configuration of virtual vehicle prototypes. This enhances the realism and accuracy of simulations, making them more useful for testing and development.
