Quick Takeaways
- Compact radar test system enables fast, realistic validation of automotive radar sensors in production and inspection environments.
- Supports safety-critical ADAS verification with high accuracy across the full automotive radar frequency band.
On January 6, at CES 2026, automotive radar testing takes a decisive step forward as dSPACE unveils a compact radar solution designed to validate radar-based driver assistance systems under real-world conditions. The new DARTS ARROW system is purpose-built for end-of-line checks and periodic technical inspections, combining accuracy, speed, and operational simplicity.
Automotive Radar Testing for EOL and PTI Applications
Developed specifically for production and inspection environments, DARTS ARROW is engineered to support functional verification of radar sensors used in modern vehicles. The system dynamically simulates distance, relative speed, and radar cross-section, enabling realistic traffic scenarios without requiring large test setups or complex calibration routines.
Key capabilities include:
These features allow engineers and inspectors to detect sensor deviations early and ensure consistent system performance.
Wide Frequency Coverage and Flexible Architecture
The solution operates across the 76–81 GHz automotive radar band, with configurable bandwidths reaching up to 5 GHz. This flexibility supports validation of current and next-generation radar sensors used in advanced driver assistance systems.
Depending on testing requirements, the radar front end can be configured as:
This adaptability makes the platform suitable for multiple radar designs and vehicle platforms.
Ensuring Reliability of Safety-Critical ADAS Functions
By enabling controlled and repeatable automotive radar testing, DARTS ARROW supports validation of safety-relevant functions such as:
Realistic simulation under standardized conditions helps maintain functional safety throughout the vehicle lifecycle, from production to in-use inspections.
Peter Waeltermann, CEO of dSPACE Inc. in Wixom, Michigan, highlights that the system’s compact footprint and full functionality make it well suited for both manufacturing lines and inspection facilities, addressing a growing industry need for efficient radar validation as ADAS adoption accelerates.
Automotive Radar Testing for EOL and PTI Applications
Developed specifically for production and inspection environments, DARTS ARROW is engineered to support functional verification of radar sensors used in modern vehicles. The system dynamically simulates distance, relative speed, and radar cross-section, enabling realistic traffic scenarios without requiring large test setups or complex calibration routines.
Key capabilities include:
- Simulation of target distances up to 500 meters with resolution below 7 cm
- Relative speed emulation up to ±700 km/h
- Dynamic scenarios that mirror real traffic behavior
These features allow engineers and inspectors to detect sensor deviations early and ensure consistent system performance.
Wide Frequency Coverage and Flexible Architecture
The solution operates across the 76–81 GHz automotive radar band, with configurable bandwidths reaching up to 5 GHz. This flexibility supports validation of current and next-generation radar sensors used in advanced driver assistance systems.
Depending on testing requirements, the radar front end can be configured as:
- Monostatic architecture for compact sensor validation
- Bistatic architecture for advanced test scenarios
This adaptability makes the platform suitable for multiple radar designs and vehicle platforms.
Ensuring Reliability of Safety-Critical ADAS Functions
By enabling controlled and repeatable automotive radar testing, DARTS ARROW supports validation of safety-relevant functions such as:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning systems
- Adaptive cruise and distance control
Realistic simulation under standardized conditions helps maintain functional safety throughout the vehicle lifecycle, from production to in-use inspections.
Peter Waeltermann, CEO of dSPACE Inc. in Wixom, Michigan, highlights that the system’s compact footprint and full functionality make it well suited for both manufacturing lines and inspection facilities, addressing a growing industry need for efficient radar validation as ADAS adoption accelerates.
Press release
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