Systems and processing considerations for consumer radar applications

Recent innovations in both the fields of radar and signal processing have made quite complex consumer radar systems possible. The paper examines the systems and processing requirements for a typical example and considers the general issues that arise from it. At present, the major potential areas for radar in consumer products are: Doppler radar speedometers, radar based intelligent cruise control (radar cruise), radar based obstacle detection systems for cars and in the security field. Radar cruise is taken as the prime example as it encompasses most of the more difficult systems and processing issues. After considering this example, it goes on to examine the general consumer product requirements which are of particular relevance to radar systems and the requirements of a radar system which are peculiar in the consumer market. It also considers the systems and processing considerations for placing a radar in a safety related system and what cost performance trade offs should be considered in producing a marketable product