Hybrid architecture of a compact, low-cost and gain compensated delay line switchable from 1 m to 250 m for automotive radar target simulator

An hybrid architecture of a compact, low-cost and gain compensated delay line switchable from 1 m to 250 m is presented in this paper. The delay line takes place in a Radar Target Simulator to allow testing automotive radar sensors. A hybridization of different technologies is presented to simulate delays on the entire range with a 20 cm resolution step and a frequency band of 800 MHz. Three technologies, LTCC components, optical fibers and SAW filters, were combined to cover the entire distance range. The whole system also ensures a gain compensation and equalization in the entire frequency band, as well as the simulation of the Radar Cross Section (RCS) of various targets over the entire distance range.