R&S®QAR50 Application video series

Measurement principles

This first video introduces the basic principles of microwave imaging and the R&S®QAR50 in general. This includes measurement clusters, reflection & transmission, traceability and test speed.

Radome parameters and their effect

This video focusses on measurement parameters such as attenuation, reflection and inhomogeneities, their importance for radar sensor performance and how to measure them with the R&S®QAR50.

Calibration, normalization and verification

Here we focus on the terms calibration, normalization and verification in relation to the QAR50, what are the key considerations for each term and how to perform these important tasks.

Measurement results in detail

Here we explain the measurement curves and images for different bands and clusters created by the QAR50 and how to interpret them.

QAR50 and QAR50-R

The differences in design, capabilities and applications of the QAR50 and the QAR50-R are explained and integration examples are shown.

Positioning accuracy

Here we explain in more detail how the images are created and the effect of an incorrect positioning of the sample. We also take a close look at the cluster design, the high resolution option and the concept of weighted apertures.

Accreditation and traceability of results

This video uses the quasi-optical certified calibration setup to illustrate how the accreditation values are generated, explains its benefits and limitations. Then we compare the uncertainty with the QAR50-Z44 verification set.

Resolution and separability

Here we examine the instrument’s resolution and capability to distinguish between different potential sources of irregularities inside the radome. A closer look at phase resolution and practical demonstration using cut outs is included.

Resolution and sensitivity

In this video we take a close look at how the images, the effect of incorrect positioning, the cluster design, the high resolution option and the concept of weighted apertures.

Effects of curvature

Radomes and bumpers are usually not flat so this video looks at how curvature influences the measurement result, further showing the advantages of microwave imaging over network analyzer techniques for material quality analysis.

Material characterization

This video is about the very beginning of bumper and radome measurement: material characterization. It compares the QAR50 microwave imaging solution with a quasi-optical vector network analyzer and shows how the optimum thickness of a radome can be calculated.

R&S®QAR50 Hardware options

This video looks at the two hardware options available for the QAR50: horizontal and vertical polarization.

QAR50-K10 Frequency response

Use this option to understand the variation of transmission and reflection characteristics against frequency and check the resonant frequency is in the middle of the automotive radar band. This information can be used to adapt the thickness of the material and to calculate permittivity. It has particular advantages for sample analysis in production.

QAR50-K20 Phase mask measurement

Precise insertion phase measurements with reference to a mask to detect anomalies such as injection moulding points, inconsistent paint thickness or material inhomogeneities.