Radome Optimization for mmWave Radar

Radome Comparison and Design Verification

Ruggedizing radar systems offers unique challenges over other modes of sensing. An enclosure or other environmental barrier is required to offer protection from the elements, and this enclosure can have an impact on the radar signal. In an effort to optimize the design of our radar enclosures, we studied the effects of material thickness on the radar signal. Our goal was to design a rugged enclosure for our DesignCore® RS-1642 mmWave Radar Sensor. The RS-1642 utilizes a Texas Instruments AWR-1642 mmWave radar IC and features an IP-67 waterproof automotive connector. The intensity of radar returns is affected by characteristics of both the target object and any objects between the antenna and the target object, including the enclosure. In order to minimize the effect of the enclosure on the radar signal, the thickness of the wall and its placement relative to the antenna must be tuned. Any enclosure used in a radar application will impact performance of the sensor because some attenuation is unavoidable. Since the thickness of a flat enclosure varies with offset angle, optimizing for straight ahead may sacrifice performance off-angle. We took this into consideration while developing a prototype, containing optimal material thickness and spacing, for our RS-1642 radar sensor.