Radar sensors are becoming more powerful, traffic scenarios more complex, and validation requirements are constantly increasing. With the DARTS 9050-DG, dSPACE is introducing a new generation of radar target simulation that combines high bandwidth, multi-target functionality, and a digital platform architecture.
Andreas, dSPACE unveiled a new addition to the DARTS portfolio at European Microwave Week in London. What makes this product special?
Dr. Andreas Himmler: With the new DARTS, we are taking an important step in the further development of our radar target simulation."e are deliberately building on the strengths for which the DARTS family has been valued in the market for years. At the same time, we are introducing a new digital platform that lays the foundation for future features, enhancements, and new testing capabilities. This opens up new possibilities in radar validation and laying the groundwork for the next generation of our DARTS systems.
You mention a platform. What does that mean specifically?
Dr. Andreas Himmler: The new architecture was designed from the outset as a digital platform. This will allow us to integrate software-based functions, advanced target simulations, and additional processing and logging functions in the future. For our customers, this means a future-proof solution that can grow alongside the increasing demands of modern radar systems.
New to the DARTS family: With the DARTS 9050-DG (dSPACE Automotive Radar Test System), dSPACE expands its radar target simulation portfolio with a powerful platform for even more realistic and complex test scenarios.
What market challenges are you addressing with this?
Dr. Andreas Himmler: Modern radar sensors are evolving rapidly. They use wider bandwidth and offer higher resolution than previous generations. At the same time, the requirements for verifying complex traffic scenarios are increasing. To test such systems reliably, developers need powerful test tools that can reliably and flexibly simulate both high-bandwidth and complex multitarget scenarios. That is exactly why the new platform was developed.
A key feature is multitarget functionality. Why is it so important?
Dr. Andreas Himmler: In real-world traffic, a vehicle is rarely confronted with just a single object. Instead, radar sensors must be able to detect, track, and distinguish numerous objects simultaneously. Our new solution supports complex test cases with multiple simultaneously simulated targets and can flexibly distribute up to 16 digital echoes across two simulation channels.
This allows demanding scenarios to be tested much more efficiently and realistically.
What technical features particularly set the system apart?
Dr. Andreas Himmler: Among the most important features are a continuous 5-GHz bandwidth across the entire signal path, two independent simulation channels, and fully digital signal processing. In addition, the system offers a wide range of distances, supports both very short and very long target ranges, provides a high dynamic range for radar signals, and enables fast update rates for dynamic test scenarios. At the same time, the new system retains the well-known advantage of all DARTS systems: compatibility with any radar, regardless of the modulation scheme used.
What benefits does this offer customers?
Dr. Andreas Himmler: Our customers can validate modern, high-resolution long-, medium-, and short-range radars under realistic conditions. The continuous 5 GHz bandwidth enables precise stimulation of radar sensors. At the same time, users benefit from greater flexibility when implementing complex test cases. Of particular interest is the ability to simulate multiple targets using a single device. This reduces testing effort and opens up new possibilities for validating future radar applications.
What role does the new platform play in the future DARTS strategy?
Dr. Andreas Himmler: We view the platform as the technological foundation for future generations of our radar test systems. It lays the groundwork for market- and customer-specific enhancements as well as for new features that we will be able to provide in the future. In doing so, we are investing not only in a new product but also in the long-term advancement of the entire DARTS portfolio. Close collaboration with our customers is a key factor in our success. Together, we aim to address new requirements and translate them into powerful, practical enhancements.
When will customers be able to test this new product for themselves?
Dr. Andreas Himmler: We unveiled the DARTS 9050-DG for the first time at European Microwave Week 2026. The first customer evaluations will begin at the end of the year. We look forward to further developing the new platform together with our customers and opening up new possibilities for radar validation.
Andreas, thank you very much for the interview.
"The DARTS 9050-DG is not just a new product, but the technological foundation for the next generation of our radar target simulators."
"In real-world traffic, a vehicle is never alone – radar sensors must detect a wide variety of objects simultaneously. With up to 16 digital echoes across two channels, we enable realistic simulation of such multi-target scenarios in the lab."
