NXP announced new additions to its 77GHz radar portfolio.

The NXP MR3003 radar transceiver, used by leading global automakers, is designed for front and corner radar applications in autonomous vehicles that require high-resolution and long-range capabilities. This new NXP system component empowers automakers to meet the requirements of true system solutions, including high-performance imaging radar detection.

At CES 2018, NXP and its partners will showcase a range of radar applications that could expand the role of radar in future vehicles.

The advent of autonomous driving is transforming the role of radar. Demand for forward-facing and 360-degree sensing technology is increasing. Consequently, automakers require the best RF performance, power consumption, and sensor size based on application specifications and in-vehicle location.

NXP's radar transceiver family completes the industry's only radar portfolio based on BiCMOS and advanced RFCMOS process technologies, providing automakers with the requirements for complete system solutions. Complemented by the NXP S32R automotive radar processing platform, networking ICs, and power management solutions, NXP's radar portfolio enables automakers to develop systems ranging from small, compact radar sensors to high-resolution imaging radar detection applications, enabling widespread radar integration across all vehicle models. It is estimated that more than 50% of all vehicle modules shipped in 2017 utilized NXP radar technology.

“The MR3003 radar transceiver delivers superior RF output, low noise, and multi-channel operation to enable significantly improved range and resolution of radar sensors,” said Patrick Morgan, vice president and general manager, ADAS Modems, Product Line at NXP. “By delivering high-performance products in both SiGe BiCMOS and RFCMOS technologies, NXP offers automakers a uniquely broad portfolio of radar products to meet their radar requirements across a wide range of vehicle models.”

At CES 2018, NXP presents two scenarios that will enable a wide range of applications for automotive radar sensors.

A high-resolution imaging radar sensor concept based on a 12-channel TX and 16-channel RX design. Using multiple MR3003 radar transceivers connected within a single radar sensor, the demonstration demonstrates the RF performance requirements for high-power, low-noise, and scalable high-resolution imaging radar detection.

A scalable radar platform that meets long-range, medium-range, and short-range radar requirements. This demonstration, which utilizes a single NXP TEF81x RFCMOS radar transceiver in conjunction with the S32R274 processor, demonstrates the high performance, ultra-small design, and low power capabilities that enable 12 to 20 radar sensors to be connected around a vehicle.