Car2Car Communication Using a Modulated Backscatter and Automotive FMCW Radar.

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Automotive Technology
• Microwave Engineering

Background:

• Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) rely on sensors like cameras for vehicle communication.
• Existing systems may lack redundancy or require additional communication hardware.
• Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication is crucial for enhancing road safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel modulated tag for direct V2V communication.
• To leverage existing Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar signals as a carrier wave.
• To add redundancy to current ADAS sensors without additional communication systems.

Main Methods:

• A proof-of-concept modulated tag operating at 24 GHz was designed.
• The tag utilizes an amplifier between receiving and transmitting antennas.
• Modulation is achieved by switching the amplifier's power supply, encoding information in the switching rate.

Main Results:

• The tag, mounted on a vehicle's rear, modulates the backscattered field when illuminated by radar.
• Simulated and experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed system.
• The system enables real-time detection and classification of signals like stop, turn, and emergency lights.

Conclusions:

• The modulated tag offers a feasible and cost-effective solution for V2V communication.
• This approach enhances ADAS by providing a redundant communication channel.
• The system integrates seamlessly with existing FMCW radar infrastructure.