In the first quarter of 2024, Continental Group's 6th generation millimeter wave radar sensor products have been mass-produced. Millimeter wave radars are widely used in automobiles, mainly for adaptive cruise control and following the vehicle in front, as well as detecting the distance and angle of the front and rear vehicles.

Continental's 6th generation radar features three technological innovations that lead in performance and functionality. The radar and sensor products showcased include five models: Long-range satellite camera (FSC33x), corner radar (SRR630), front radar sensor (ARS620), 4D imaging millimeter wave radar (ARS542), and high-performance radar sensor (ARS513). The latest 6th generation millimeter wave radar sensors currently have two products: ARS620 front radar sensor and SRR630 corner radar sensor.

The ARS620 front radar boasts a maximum detection range of 280 meters, a maximum pedestrian detection range of 140 meters, and a maximum detection angle of ±60°. The SRR630 corner radar has a maximum detection range of 200 meters and a maximum detection angle of ±81°. The radar hardware can output various data types according to the needs of the vehicle manufacturers, including targets, point clouds, road boundaries, and drivable areas, with at least 50 targets output. The detection distance has increased by 30% compared to the previous generation of radars, the angle accuracy has increased by 50%, and the volume has been reduced by 25%. Additionally, the SRR630 corner radar sensor also has an expandable subsystem architecture and interface, which can achieve compatibility and adaptation with different vehicle electronic and electrical architectures.

"The radar can output point cloud data." The 6th generation radar system achieves improvements in detection accuracy, detection distance, and reduced volume through four major innovations. These technologies include: 1. The chip uses Launch on Package (LoP) technology, where the electromagnetic waves emitted by the radar are directly transmitted from the chip through the waveguide antenna, reducing costs while enhancing detection performance. 2. The use of waveguide antenna technology enhances the radiation efficiency and range of the antenna, giving the system the characteristics of low energy loss and high radiation efficiency. 3. Step linear frequency modulation signal technology (CCM), compared with traditional linear frequency modulation signals, CCM technology can improve the distance resolution by 4-5 times on the premise of ensuring the maximum detection distance, and is also the basis for achieving the maximum detection distance of 280 meters. 4. Super-resolution algorithm technology (HRT) has stronger robustness, and the angle resolution has been doubled.

As intelligent assisted driving functions become more popular and the market's demand for autonomous driving systems continues to increase, radar sensors should be able to provide a longer detection range, a larger detection angle, and more accurate accuracy. With the mass production of the 6th generation radar sensors, Continental Group has also started the research and development of the 7th generation radar, and the gradual improvement of hardware capabilities may allow us to experience better assisted driving and even autonomous driving functions in the near future.