Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHRµRADAS 2.0 is a microcontroller‑based radar system designed for three‑dimensional reconstruction and data acquisition. The system is suitable for automated, non‑destructive material testing as well as for energy‑ and resource‑efficient quality control in industrial production processes. It employs millimeter‑wave and terahertz technology to visualize both surface features and internal structures of electrically non‑conductive materials.
µRADAS enables tomographic investigations as well as high‑precision distance and contour measurements in real time. Materials can be reconstructed in three dimensions by acquiring data from multiple sensor positions. In contrast to conventional X‑ray techniques, the radar system operates without ionizing radiation and does not require special safety measures. Moreover, materials with similar attenuation properties can be distinguished because µRADAS evaluates not only signal amplitude but also phase information. This makes the system particularly suitable for inspecting foreign objects in food products—such as plastic or glass fragments in chocolate—as well as for detecting material‑ or process‑related defects in polymer components, such as air inclusions.
In addition to tomographic imaging, µRADAS provides micrometer‑accurate distance and thickness measurements at high acquisition rates. The system can therefore be used, for example, in steel processing for width and thickness measurement of materials, where it is already deployed in industrial environments.
The sensor can operate across different frequency ranges, allowing the achievable resolution to be adapted to specific applications. Higher frequencies enable more precise measurements. Owing to its cost‑efficient design and compact form factor, the sensor is also suitable for installations in confined spaces and for use under demanding industrial production conditions.