Automotive short-range radar with enhanced functionality and methods of operating a motor vehicle short-range radar with extended functionality

The invention describes a motor vehicle short-range radar with a visibility with a plurality of individual radars (2, 2 ') and a control unit (3, 3') for controlling the individual radars (2, 2 '), wherein the individual radars (2, 2') are adapted to be operated in a scanning mode or in a communication mode, and 'is formed by at least a single radar (2, 2 wherein the control unit (3, 3)' to switch to communication mode) as soon as a vehicle (1, 1 ') enters into range of the short range automotive radar. Moreover, a method of operating a motor vehicle short-range radar with a visibility with a plurality of individual radars (2, 2 ') and a control unit (3, 3') for controlling the individual radars (2, 2 ') is described, comprising the steps of : operating the individual radars (2, 2 ') in a scanning mode, as long as no vehicle (1, 1') enters into range of the short range automotive radar; and the switching of at least a single radar (1, 1 ') in the communication mode when a vehicle (1, 1') enters into range of the short range automotive radar.