Enhancing Safety in Automotive Systems: A Comprehensive Analysis of 77 GHz Radar Performance for Pedestrian and Vehicle Detection

Automotive radar technology has seen significant advancements in recent years, becoming a pivotal component in enhancing vehicle safety and preventing collisions. This study explores the efficacy of radar systems in detecting both vehicles and pedestrians, focusing on the impact of Radar Cross Section (RCS) on detection accuracy. By examining radars operating at frequencies of 24 GHz and 77 GHz, the research highlights the challenges and solutions in distinguishing between high-RCS targets like vehicles and low-Rcstargets such as pedestrians. The study demonstrates that while 77 GHz radar systems excel in long-range detection of vehicles with high RCS values, their effectiveness in detecting pedestrians is limited by the lower RCS values of these targets. To address this challenge, the research introduces enhancements in radar system configurations, including an expanded azimuth field of view and optimized resolution settings. These modifications significantly improve the detection of pedestrians and other objects that are offset from the radar's primary line of sight. The results emphasize the need for continuous innovation in radar technology to balance long-range vehicle detection with the accurate identification of low-RCS targets. By integrating advanced radar features and refining detection algorithms, the study contributes valuable insights into developing more robust automotive safety systems. This research not only advances the understanding of radar-based collision avoidance but also lays the groundwork for future enhancements in autonomous driving technologies, ultimately aiming to create safer road environments for all users.