A complex low-RCS antenna system for the placement of mm-wave automotive radars behind car bumpers

Abstract

Automotive radars are one of the key sensor technologies to develop reliable fully-automated cars. They are usually installed behind the bumper of the vehicle and therefore, multiple reflections can occur. The multiple reflections can be mitigated with the use of low-RCS (radar cross-section) antenna arrays. This paper presents the design of a complex low-RCS multiple antenna system that mimics a typical MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) configuration. A prototype has been developed and tested. Approximately 17 dB of RCS reduction has been experimentally achieved. The measurement results show that the use of such a low-RCS antenna system can successfully reduce the amplitude of multiple reflections.