Bosch’s MRR (mid-range radar) sensor system, based on fourth-generation Bosch radars, is entering series production with a leading European manufacturer in rear-end applications for one of its high-volume mid-sized vehicles.

To make changing lanes safer, this European manufacturer has concealed two sensors in the rear bumper—one on the left, one on the right. These two MRR rear sensors monitor the area alongside and behind the car. Control software collates the sensor information to produce a complete picture of all traffic in the area behind the vehicle.

Whenever another vehicle approaches at speed from behind or is already present in the blind spot, a signal such as a warning light in the side mirror alerts the driver to the hazard. Should the driver still activate the turn signal with the intention of changing lanes, the lane-changing assistant issues an additional acoustic and/or haptic warning.

The MRR rear system can do more than assist with lane-changing, however. These sensors also form part of Bosch’s cross-traffic alert system, which supports drivers reversing out of perpendicular parking spaces when their rear view is obstructed. Able to recognize cars, cyclists, and pedestrians crossing behind the reversing vehicle from the left or right at a distance of up to 50 meters (164 feet), the system alerts the driver to the imminent danger of collision by issuing a timely audible or visible signal.

Bosch’s mid-range radar sensor is just as effective when facing forward and used to provide information for other driver assistance systems.

The MRR is a bistatic multi-mode radar with four independent receiver channels and digital beam forming (DBF). It operates in the 76-77 GHz frequency band that is standard for automotive radar applications in almost all countries worldwide. Whereas the MMR rear has an aperture angle of up to 150 degrees and a range of up to 90 meters, the forward-facing version looks significantly further: with an aperture angle of up to plus/minus 45 degrees, it can detect objects up to 160 meters away.

Bosch uses the mid-range radar sensor for front-end application to offer solutions such as ACC adaptive cruise control and predictive emergency braking systems, either alone or in parallel. From 2016 onwards, radar- or camera-based predictive emergency braking systems will be a requirement for vehicles hoping to obtain the highest rating in the Euro NCAP test.