Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHRµRadas at the K Fair: Compact Radar Sensors for Industrial Process Monitoring
Fraunhofer FHR presents the latest development in the field of highly integrated radar technology: the µRadas demonstrator. This is a resource- and energy-efficient, microcontroller-based radar sensor with integrated signal processing. With this real-time signal processing for highly accurate distance measurements at measurement rates of up to 4 kHz, it demonstrates the application readiness of highly integrated radar sensors for industrial process monitoring and quality assurance.
The modular backend structure allows for a scalable configuration, particularly suited for applications with lower energy consumption. It also supports synchronized operations of multiple sensors in sensor networks. Adjustments to parameters such as sampling frequency, resolution, and data transfer rate are also possible at runtime. The modular approach permeates the entire system design and enables the integration of various frontends, including MMICs that can operate at 80 GHz with 25 GHz bandwidth or at 150 GHz with 56 GHz bandwidth.
A significant advantage of the SiGe (Silicon-Germanium) MMICs developed by Fraunhofer FHR for the radar frontends is the high integration factor, which allows for the development of compact sensors with dimensions of approximately 130 mm x 70 mm x 50 mm per sensor unit. This enables measurement systems to be deployed in hard-to-reach locations throughout the entire process chain.
Application Areas
The main application areas of this technology include distance measurement of metal or plastic surfaces with subsequent surface reconstruction (e.g., belt tracking and position, width and thickness of rolled goods or plastic pipes) as well as non-destructive testing in process control. Electrically non-conductive materials can be penetrated, allowing internal structures, such as wall thicknesses or layer thicknesses for quality control, to be accessed without damaging the material.
The exhibited demonstrator combines a sensor unit with linear and rotary motors to precisely scan the surface of an object. It enables 2D and 3D imaging for positioning tasks and surface inspection. The measurement values for distance, amplitude, and phase are processed in the sensor and forwarded to the processing unit for analysis, generating detailed three-dimensional point clouds for object analysis.
About Fraunhofer FHR
Fraunhofer FHR is one of the leading and largest European research institutes in the field of high-frequency and radar technology. It develops tailored concepts, processes, and systems for electromagnetic sensing from microwave to terahertz range for its partners.
The core focus of the research at Fraunhofer FHR is on sensors for precise distance or position determination, as well as imaging systems with resolutions down to the lower single-digit millimeter range. The application spectrum of these devices ranges from systems for reconnaissance, surveillance, and protection to real-time capable sensors for traffic and navigation, as well as quality assurance and non-destructive testing. The systems from Fraunhofer FHR are known for their reliability and robustness.