Providing innovative and diverse options for integration
The Hella radar sensor is scheduled for release in mid-2018.

NXP Semiconductors announced that HELLA has developed a CompactRadar Sensor based on NXP's highly innovative RFCMOS radar system.

This sensor has established a new benchmark in the 77 GHz technology sector. Highly powerful all-weather radar-based systems are attracting significant attention as an important method for implementing various safety and convenience features within vehicles. Radar technology, which is becoming widely adopted in autonomous vehicle designs, enables automobiles to reliably detect their environment. Hella's compact radar product family is scheduled for release in mid-2018.

The 77 GHz radar system chip based on NXP's RFCMOS process technology, which is the core of the compact radar sensor developed by Hella, delivers groundbreaking performance and a compact form factor. Through an innovative system architecture and ultra-high integration, the entire Hella compact radar sensor is about the size of a matchbox. Providing ultra-high performance, this sensor offers many new options for integration both inside and outside the vehicle.

For example, it includes gesture recognition as well as 360-degree sensing of the surrounding environment outside the vehicle. 360-degree sensing is an essential feature for automatic parking, and compared to standard ultrasonic sensors, compact radar sensors have a wider field of view, longer range, and higher resolution.

Dr. Christian Amsel, a member of the Board of Directors for Hella’s Automotive Business Unit, explained, “Hella, having accumulated decades of know-how as a market leader in 24 GHz radar technology in the narrowband field, plans to enter new application areas based on its expertise. Accordingly, we have further strengthened our strong relationship with NXP by integrating NXP’s innovative 77 GHz RFCMOS radar system chip into our next-generation radar portfolio. By building close relationships with industry-leading technology companies, including NXP and InnoSenT, we are reaping synergies through the combination of our innovative technological strengths and long-standing expertise in industrialization.”


Dr. Amschel announced a new sensor via a video lecture at the 20th Automotive Electronics Congress held in Ludwigsburg, Germany.

Lars Reger, CTO of NXP’s Automotive Business, stated, “Hella’s RFCMOS radar sensors represent a significant leap forward that accelerates the realization of autonomous vehicles. To reliably detect and classify objects, automotive sensors must deliver high performance within a compact design.” “It is in this way that the vision of the Cocoon Radar, which provides high-resolution, 360-degree surround view, can become a reality,” they stated. “The radar will work in conjunction with V2X, vision, and other sensor technologies for maximum road safety and convenience for drivers and passengers. NXP provides a complete semiconductor portfolio for safely connected autonomous vehicles.”