Automotive application systems of a millimeter-wave radar

Social demands for promoting safety-driving are enhancing, particularly in Japan as the number of traffic accidents have increased in recent years. To correspond with these demands, many vehicle manufacturers or suppliers have been researching or developing technologies of safety-driving, in co-operation with the government or authorities. Specially, research and development for providing vehicles with more "intelligence" through application of electronic engineering technologies are attracting much attention. Obstacle detection technology plays an important part as elementary technology for the development of these "intelligent vehicles". This paper introduces an automotive millimeter-wave radar to which a high expectation is attached as one of the obstacle detection technologies, and the application systems thereof. The paper also discusses subjects to be encountered in the course of development toward actual application.