Abstract. This paper focusses on a transmission line (TL) based model which allows to
investigate the impact of multilayered obstructions in the propagating path
of a radar signal at different distances and in combination with
disturbances. Those disturbances can be water, snow, ice, and foliage at
different densities, temperatures, positions, with a given thickness and
layer combination. For the evaluation of the detectability of objects, the
impulse response of the system can be obtained. Investigations employing
state-of-the-art radar hardware confirm the consistency of theoretical and
experimental results for 24 and 77 GHz. The analysis in this paper supports
testing the specifications for radar systems, before carrier frequency and
antenna layout are finally decided. Thereby, the radar system parameters can
be adjusted toward employed carrier frequency, bandwidth, required
sensitivity, antenna and amplifier gain. Since automotive standards define
operational environmental conditions such as temperature, rain rate, and
layer thickness, these parameters can be included and adapted. A novel
optimisation methodology for radomes is presented which allows to boost the
dynamic range by almost 6 dB with presence of a worst-case cover layer of
water. The findings can be utilised to properly design radar systems for
automotive applications in autonomous driving, in which other vulnerable road
users have to be protected under all circumstances.
Spur-free dynamic range of photonic links using polarization modulation