HUBER+SUHNER is advancing its 3D waveguide antenna technology to support the growing performance and integration requirements of automotive radar systems used in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Designed for millimeter-wave radar applications operating at frequencies up to 81 GHz, the metallised plastic antenna structures are intended to provide efficient, low-loss signal transmission while meeting the compact packaging, scalability and reliability requirements of modern vehicles.
Radar has become an increasingly important part of vehicle safety systems, supporting functions such as object detection, range measurement and environmental awareness. As more vehicles incorporate ADAS capabilities, antenna systems must deliver consistent electromagnetic performance while fitting within increasingly complex vehicle architectures.
HUBER+SUHNER has more than two decades of experience in high-frequency antenna technology. Its work with millimeter-wave systems expanded through backhaul applications beginning in 2010, and in 2016 the company developed automotive radar antenna prototypes in collaboration with MMIC partners and introduced Tier 1 manufacturers to its 3D waveguide antenna approach.
The 3D Waveguide Antenna Technology can be produced using moulding and metallisation processes that create internal waveguide structures for directing RF signals. According to HUBER+SUHNER, the technology can provide high efficiency, low transmission loss and high antenna gain, while enabling compact structures suitable for integration into automotive radar modules.
The company has developed a portfolio of 3D waveguide antennas for automotive applications, including designs intended for object detection and operation under demanding environmental and reliability conditions. HUBER+SUHNER has also demonstrated the feasibility of the underlying technology at frequencies extending into the sub-terahertz range up to 950 GHz.
The development comes as ADAS architectures increasingly move beyond standalone sensors toward systems that combine radar, LiDAR, and cameras with onboard computing and perception algorithms. While sensor fusion can provide vehicles with a more detailed understanding of their surroundings, integrating multiple sensing technologies also introduces challenges involving physical packaging, electromagnetic compatibility and interference.
HUBER+SUHNER sees sensor fusion and closer integration of sensing hardware, software, and artificial intelligence as important trends shaping the next generation of ADAS. Data collected from multiple sensors can be combined and processed to support functions such as object recognition, lane monitoring and vehicle control.
The company is also evaluating the use of its antenna technology for applications beyond automotive radar, including Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) and 5G connectivity. These systems place additional demands on antenna performance as operating frequencies increase and vehicles exchange larger volumes of data.
Looking further ahead, more advanced sensing and processing technologies could support the expansion of limited autonomous driving capabilities in defined environments. However, progress toward higher levels of vehicle automation will continue to depend on system safety, reliability and regulatory requirements.
HUBER+SUHNER said it will continue developing its 3D waveguide antenna technology as automotive radar, connectivity and ADAS architectures evolve.
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