Radar Solutions for Automotive Applications

Automotive Radar - Higher Requirements for Next-Generation Vehicle Connectivity

Automotive radar technology is clearly evolving toward higher resolution, more channels, greater integration, smaller form factors, and energy-efficient operation. As a result, the demands on every component within the RF signal path continue to increase. While camera systems primarily require high data rates, the performance of radar systems also depends on the quality of the RF signal transmission, which directly affects the sensor's range, accuracy, and reliability. High-precision RF connectors with excellent signal integrity, stable impedance, and robust EMC performance have therefore become a key enabling technology for modern ADAS and automated driving systems.

Radar's greatest strength lies in its ability to directly measure physical parameters such as distance, relative speed, and direction of movement. While cameras "see" the environment, radar actively senses it using electromagnetic waves in the millimeter-wave frequency range. This requires a combination of high range resolution, high angular resolution, and precise Doppler-based velocity measurement.

Unlike radar, cameras can only estimate these parameters indirectly through image processing. Consequently, radar and cameras complement each other perfectly and are combined in virtually every modern ADAS platform.

Comparison Automotive Radar, Camera and LiDAR

Distance, velocity and speed measurement
Operates in complete darkness
Unaffected by weather conditions in rain and fog
Detects object position and motion
Extremely demanding RF signal transmission
Robust and cost-effective

Image-based object detection
Requires ambient light
Sensitive to fog, rain, and snow
Object, colors and lane classification
Traffic sign recognition
Driver monitoring
High data-rate transmission

3D point cloud detection
High-precision mapping and localization
Object detection and tracking
Works day and night

The Role of Rosenberger RF Connectors for Automotive Radar Applications

And Why High-Performance RF Connectors Matter

Rosenberger RF connectors meet the stringent requirements of automotive radar and ensure that RF signals are transmitted with minimal loss, maximum repeatability, and consistently high signal quality throughout the entire signal path.

Constant impedance
High return loss
Low insertion loss
Excellent shielding effectiveness
High vibration resistance
Reliable electrical performance over the vehicle's entire service life

High manufacturing precision
Reproducible electrical contact performance
Tight mechanical and electrical tolerances
Scalable and modular portfolio

Highlighting Press-Fit Technology for Automotive Radar Applications

Compared with camera applications, which primarily focus on high data rates, miniaturization, and low-profile designs, automotive radar systems introduce additional requirements, including:

High robustness against vibration and extreme temperatures
Maximum reliability throughout the vehicle lifetime
Stable electrical connections under harsh environmental conditions
Excellent EMC performance and signal integrity for safety-critical ADAS applications

Why Press-Fit Technology?

Press-Fit Technology - Robust and Solder-Free

Press-fit technology provides a robust, solder-free interconnection that meets the demanding environmental and reliability requirements of automotive radar modules. Compared with typical camera systems, automotive radar modules operate in harsher environments characterized by higher vibration levels, wider temperature ranges, and more stringent reliability requirements.

Press-fit connections ensure long-term mechanical integrity, stable electrical performance, and manufacturing efficiency—making them an ideal solution for next-generation automotive radar platforms.

Arguments for Press-Fit Technology for Automotive Radar Applications

Gas-tight contact technology
High vibration resistance
No solder joint fatigue

⇒ Particularly suitable for sensors integrated into the front and rear bumpers

Consistently low contact resistance
Minimal impedance variation
Consistent electrical performance throughout the vehicle lifetime

⇒ Ideal for Radar electronic control units (ECUs) with sensitive RF front ends and high-speed digital interfaces

Operating temperatures from −40 °C to +125 °C or higher
Withstands rapid thermal cycling
Resistant to humidity, moisture, and salt spray

⇒ Press-fit connections provide excellent long-term stability without solder-related aging or degradation

No reflow soldering of the connector required
Reduced thermal stress on the PCB
Simplified serviceability and replacement

⇒ Well suited for automated high-volume manufacturing

Scalable and Modular Portfolio

We design, manufacture, and deliver a fully scalable portfolio of coaxial and differential data connectors, tailored to meet our customers' specific requirements.

Our product portfolio includes H-MTD^® and HFM^® interfaces in all modular housing configurations (single, double, and additional variants), custom-specific options, and a wide range of press-fit pin configurations.

On the PCB side, freely configurable PCB press-fit footprints enable seamless adaptation to customer-specific requirements. This provides maximum flexibility in interface design—from mechanical integration to PCB layout—ensuring an optimized solution for virtually any application.

Products

Press-Fit Technology meets Data Connectors

Press-fit contacts combined with differential H-MTD^® high-frequency, high-speed connectors enable reliable power and data transmission with outstanding electrical performance:

Signal integrity up to 20 GHz
Low insertion loss
High return loss
EMC/EMI shielding
Robust data transmission for Automotive Ethernet and SerDes protocols

Applications

Robust Press-Fit Technology for Reliable Automotive Radar Applications

Designed to meet the demanding mechanical requirements of connectors used in automotive radar and LiDAR systems for:

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
Automated driving
Radar antenna
RF printed circuit board (PCB)
Radar sensor module
Vehicle wiring harness

Get in touch with us

"With our Radar Solutions for Automotive Applications, we complete our product portfolio for all detection applications.
Please contact us to discuss your application requirements or customized connectivity solutions."

Thomas Miedl
Head of Product Management Team “Radar”