Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) Sensor Module

/ Saving Lives through Innovative Technology

Designed to prevent accidents and save lives, ADAS is a collection of several systems with features that can help guide driver decisions in real-time as conditions change and enable human-free operations.

Radar, LIDAR, cameras, and ultrasound sensors are strategically placed throughout the exterior to give a 360-degree view and execute safety functions as necessary. In-cabin cameras are also used to monitor driver alertness and react accordingly, while passenger occupancy monitors adapt seatbelt and airbag settings if a child is detected in the front seat. 

Depending on the make and design of the vehicle, ADAS functions may include some or all of the following:

Safety and collision avoidance:

• Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
• Automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection
• Blind spot detection (BSD)
• Collision avoidance system (CAS)
• Cross-traffic alert (CTA)
• Driver monitoring system (DMS)
• Drowsy driver detection (DDD)
• Emergency driver assist (EDA)
• Forward collision warning (FCW)
• Highway assist (HA)
• Lane change assist 
• Lane departure warning (LDW)
• Lane keeping assistance (LKA)
• Night vision system (NVS)
• Surround view system (SVS)
• Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
• Traffic sign recognition (TSR)
• Turning assistant (TA)
• Vehicular communication systems (V2X)
• Wrong way driving warning (WWDW)

Parking and maneuver assistance:

• Automatic parking system (APS)
• Parallel parking assist
• Park distance control (PDC)
  
• Perpendicular parking assist

Comfort and convenience:

• Adaptive headlights
• Adaptive high beam control (AHBC)
• Head-up display (HUD)
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Traffic jam assist (TJA)

Fuel efficiency and emissions reduction:

• Eco-driving mode
• Intelligent speed adaptation (ISA)
• Predictive cruise control
  

/ Application Considerations

Best-in-class components are required for the optimal performance of ADAS sensor modules. Engineers should consider the following:

• ESD protection - sensing technologies and other components must be protected from damaging electrostatic discharge
• Component size - several systems make up ADAS and there’s limited space in the vehicle to house all of the necessary components, so the smaller the better 
• Reliability in harsh conditions - fluctuating temperatures, vibration, and shocks are a few of the environments design engineers should account for to prevent system failure
• Reverse battery protection - designs must incorporate safeguards to prevent reverse polarity in the battery
• Thermal performance - maintaining proper heat dissipation and minimal energy losses while executing multiple functions is essential for effective ADAS sensor module design
• Efficiency - ADAS sensor modules should operate as efficiently as possible without sacrificing reliability
• Cost - these advanced components must be robust enough to perform but also affordable enough to be used in vehicles to keep costs reasonable for consumers
• Applicable industry standards - ADAS components must meet stringent auto standards, such as AEC-Q101 qualification