While signal processing and AI are essential, achieving accurate sensing begins with an antenna that provides a well-defined radiation pattern and controlled field of view. Modern radar designs for ADAS and AD often turn to waveguide antennas to meet these requirements. Although traditionally associated with bulkiness and high production costs, gap waveguide technology has enabled more compact, manufacturable solutions that also can integrate with PCBs or MMICs without direct electrical contact. This presentation will explain how the radiation patterns can be improved using gap waveguide technology, focusing on their impact on radar sensor performance and system integration. The discussion will be supported by simulations and experimental lab measurements from several of our research programs. These results provide insight into the extended field of view that can be achieved while simultaneously achieving a clean pattern. The audience will also see how modern launch in package MMIC circuits can connect to the antenna and explore the limits of how far you can relax tolerances to enable easier assembly while maintaining performance.

• How overall radar system performance will be enhanced with the novel antenna solution
• How the contactless integration and the possibility of relaxed tolerances with the technology helps in manufacturability on the antenna and sensor levels
• What previous limitations are broken by the technology and examples of new applications and integration of sensors on a vehicle that can be done