ADAS testing during periodic technical inspection

ADAS periodic technical inspection

Radar target simulator for ADAS testing in PTI environment

Ensuring the continued functionality of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving (AD) features is paramount for long-term vehicle safety and performance. As such, manufacturers of autonomous vehicles require approval from transportation authorities. Before a vehicle leaves the factory, an end-of-line (EOL) test checks all functions for proper operation. However, maintaining proper ADAS/AD functionality over years of use requires additional measures.

A safe, straightforward approach is to extend the regular periodical technical inspection (PTI) to include checks of AD functions and involved sensors. The PTI process comprises four key steps:

Visual inspection: Checking the vehicle, brakes and external components such as sensors, bumpers or radomes for signs of damage.
Software check: Verifying that the vehicle’s software recognizes data in accordance with regulatory standards and homologation requirements.
Static test: Simulating artificial radar signals and validating sensor responses in a controlled, static environment.
Effectiveness test: Assessing the complete functionality of ADAS features such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and adaptive cruise control (ACC) to ensure proper operation.

While visual inspection and software checks suffice for many vehicles today, the dynamic nature of ADAS necessitates comprehensive static and effectiveness testing to guarantee safe operation throughout a vehicle’s lifespan. By incorporating these additional layers into the PTI process, it is possible to ensure the integrity and performance of ADAS technologies over the long term.

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Master your ADAS testing challenges

As vehicles continue to gain more autonomous features, it becomes increasingly important to include comprehensive ADAS tests as part of the PTI process.

One of the primary challenges faced by PTI workshops is the availability and affordability of radar target simulators required for ADAS testing. These simulators are expensive and typically designed for controlled lab conditions, making them inaccessible for many workshops.

Despite these difficulties, the need for thorough ADAS testing during PTI cannot be overstated. Therefore, finding practical and cost-effective solutions for integrating ADAS testing into the PTI process is essential for workshops to keep pace with evolving automotive technology and regulatory standards.

Discover our solution for ADAS testing during PTI

Rohde & Schwarz has developed an innovation solution designed to guarantee optimal performance of automotive radar sensors during PTI. In this approach, the vehicle’s radar sensor emits signals, which are subsequently modified and returned to the sensor with a controlled delay. The modification process is facilitated by a compact radar target simulator integrated into the PTI setup. This allows the sensor to interpret the artificially generated signal as it were originating from a real object. This method represents a significant advancement in validating the functionality and accuracy of radar sensors during PTI, ensuring that they meet the stringent performance standards for continued safe operation.

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Explore the essential components of the PTI process

Our customizable test cases allow diverse scenarios to be simulated, from those with fast-moving vehicles to vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. The adaptable size and flexibility of our test system facilitate straightforward integration into any PTI station. The system can also be easily localized to national standards.

Explainer video: Ensuring ADAS functionality during Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI)

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Benefits of our automotive radar target simulator

The radar target simulator developed by Rohde & Schwarz is exceptionally resilient to external factors, ensuring consistent performance in workshop environments. Its capability to deliver precise and repeatable measurements makes it an invaluable tool for conducting accurate assessments in real-world conditions.

Other benefits include:

Compatibility with wide-range of radar sensors and vehicle models
Compact and lightweight form factor
Easy integration
High flexibility
Cost effectiveness

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Thomas Kolb, Managing Director Dürr Assembly Products GmbH

The RadEsT radar target simulator from Rohde & Schwarz is an ideal extension of our x-proof 360 vehicle-in-the-loop test system for contactless testing of the effectiveness of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving functions. The seamless integration of the radar sensor stimulation in an x-around portal system together with our steerable x-road curve roll test stand opens up completely new applications for ADAS end-of-line testing in vehicle production and periodic technical inspections (PTI) without the need to modify test vehicles or long cycle times.

Application video: Dürr and R&S solution for ADAS/AD functional testing for EOL and PTI

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Product video: R&S®RadEsT – The essential in radar testing

The R&S®RadEsT automotive radar essential tester is provides OEMS and Tier 1s with dynamic and precise target generation for debugging of reference designs and software verification in the lab as well as functional testing on the production line.

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Technology in action at the United Nations

We recently participated at the UN-ECE World Forum for the harmonization of vehicle regulations in Geneva, organized by UN-ECE Sustainable Transport Division and Dekra SE. Our cutting-edge automotive radar sensor tester for Periodic Technical Inspection Testing (PTI) was presented to the highly interested audience of industry leaders, ministers, state secretaries, UN-ECE officials and the entire CITA board.

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Explainer article: DEKRA is developing a new PTI test method for sensors

The world's largest independent organization in the Testing, Inspection and Certification sector, DEKRA is developing an expansion of Periodic Technical Inspection for vehicles that includes sensor testing, including radar testing with R&S. Read this article to find out more.

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Dürr and Rohde & Schwarz collaborate on ADAS/AD functional testing for EOL and PTI

Maintaining continued functionality of ADAS/AD features throughout a vehicle's lifespan requires control measures during periodical technical inspection (PTI). To address these requirements, Dürr and R&S initiated a joint project incorporating Dürr's x-road curve multi-function roll test stand, our new RadEsT radar target simulator and the open-source simulation platform CARLA.

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