Automotive radar system to use Infineon chip

Robert Bosch GmbH will use a chip from Infineon's RASIC family for Bosch's next-generation automotive radar system.

Infineon Technologies AG has announced that Robert Bosch GmbH will use a chip from Infineon's Radar System IC (RASIC) family for Bosch's next-generation automotive radar system, the LRR3 radar sensor system (third-generation Long Range Radar).

The LRR3 has been developed for adaptive cruise control (ACC) at ranges up to 250m, and predictive radar-based safety functions such as predictive brake assist systems, collision warning features and automatic emergency braking. As Infineon produces the radar chip using SiGe technology, it enables smaller and more cost-effective radar systems than were possible with components based on the more expensive GaAs technology.

Driving the radar sensor to midrange class
"The LRR3 radar system was specially developed for high-volume driver assistance systems, and for the first time makes use of SiGe as the semiconductor material," commented Dirk Freundt, LRR3 project manager for Bosch. "By employing Infineon's innovative radar chips and avoiding the use of costly special-purpose semiconductors, it has been possible to significantly enhance the functionality of the Bosch sensor, and considerably reduce system costs. Bosch is also looking to bring the radar sensor and its functions into the midrange and compact class, where it could soon be part of a car's standard equipment."

Market research firm Strategy Analytics expects that by 2011, of the three million vehicles with remote warning systems, some 2.3 million will make use of radar systems. By 2014, 7 percent of all new cars could be equipped with a remote warning system, predominantly in Europe and Japan.

Infineon's RASIC product family enables smaller and more cost-effective radar systems than were possible with components based on the more expensive GaAs technology.

Volume manufacture of the radar chip at Infineon is set to commence at the end of 2008, with production startup at Bosch planned for early 2009. The radar chips from the RASIC family were developed and qualified specially for use in cars. Bosch and Infineon have achieved full automotive qualification for the LRR3 radar system. It meets the exacting quality requirements of the automotive industry.