Keysight adds to autonomous driving portfolio

Keysight Technologies is expanding its portfolio of autonomous driving validation test solutions with the E8717A Lidar Target Simulator (LTS), which enables automakers and lidar sensor makers to test and validate lidar sensors for autonomous vehicles (AV).

As with radar-based systems, lidar sensor makers must ensure lidar systems quickly and reliably detect objects, enabling advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to work correctly before they are commercially deployed.

To properly test sensors, designers currently need large floor spaces and use traditional target boards. In addition, the industry is also faced with reducing sensor cost and scaling to mass production.

The Keysight LTS solution addresses these challenges by simulating test targets at defined distance and reflectivity with a compact and standardised bench setup.

This solution is designed to simplify and accelerate the testing, validation, and production of automotive lidar sensors through standardisation and automation.

The following benefits are provided by the Keysight LTS:

• Small footprint covering large distances – Compact bench setup saves test floor space by simulating target distances from 3 meters to 300 meters and simulating surface reflectivity from 10% to 94%.
• Insightful analytics improve sensor design and performance – Powerful testing software generates insightful analytics by sweeping target distance and reflectivity, enabling design and performance improvements.
• Automated software accelerates testing – The LTS test setup is fully automated using a cobot and powered by Keysight PathWave Test Executive for Manufacturing for test automation. While the cobot provides precise device movement for field of view testing, the automation software accelerates testing and throughput to support volume production.