Next Generation, Low-THz Automotive Radar – the potential for frequencies above 100 GHz

Current automotive radars operate under 100 GHz. The natural progression to higher frequencies beyond 100 GHz offers significant benefits in the form of increased bandwidth and exploitation of phenomena associated with shorter wavelength. Higher operating frequencies offer the possibility of significant improvement in range resolution to cm level, improving target classification, reduction in sensor size, mass cost and easier packaging of multiple sensors per vehicle. A comprehensive research program is being undertaken at the Microwave Integrated Systems Laboratory (MISL) at the University of Birmingham to quantify the advantages and limitations of operating at frequencies beyond 100 GHz for automotive applications. This paper summarizes the findings of these studies.