A software simulator for automotive radar

Radar systems for automobiles are now being actively studied in research by many automotive and electronics organization. The purpose of such radars would be to detect potential hazards and to keep a car a safe distance from the car in front. Radars designed to detect potential hazards are frequently known as obstacle avoidance radars (OARs). The immediate requirement for the simulator described arose from the need to be able to generate synthetic radar data to test the signal processing being developed for an experimental (OAR). The program simulates a radar map of the scene ahead of the car, as it would be seen by an obstacle avoidance radar. The author describes the design philosophy and operation of the simulator. Results of the simulation are also described. The simulator accurately mimics the problems which will be caused for the signal processing by fading and shadowing of targets