A microwave anticipatory crash sensor for activation of automobile passive restraints

For effective protection of automobile occupants in high-speed collisions, passive restraints (such as airbags) must be actuated prior to impact. A 10-GHz CW homodyne bistatic radar system has been developed to permit exploration of the feasibility of such an application. System design and response to potential real and false-alarm targets and to the automotive environment are delineated. Possible elaborations on the basic system are described.