Fraunhofer

Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR

Fraunhoferstraße 20
53343 Wachtberg
Germany

www.fhr.fraunhofer.de/en.html

ABOUT FRAUNHOFER FHR
Fraunhofer FHR is one of Europe’s largest research institutes for high frequency and radar technology. It develops customized sensor concepts, techniques, and systems for the defense, space, traffic, and pro-duction sectors as well as for man and environment.
From reconnaissance, surveillance, and protection systems to real-time capable sensors for traffic and navigation all the way to quality assurance and non-destructive testing in production: The Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR develops customized electromagnetic sensor concepts, techniques, and systems for its partners, from the microwave range through to the lower terahertz range. These are used for high-precision distance or position determination as well as imaging with a resolution of up to 3.75 mm, ensur-ing robust and reliable operation even in rough environmental conditions with high temperatures, vibrations, or zero visibility because of smoke, vapors, or fog.
Fraunhofer FHR conducts research on new radar and high frequency techniques and systems. The institute employs its know-how to support companies, authorities, and other public bodies with technology consulting services and studies as well as prototyping for its partners and together with its partners to overcome unsolved challenges. From the conceptualization, design and simulation to construction, testing, and the pro-duction of pilot series, the special focus is on the maturity of the systems and their suitability for serial production to ensure a quick transformation into a finished product in cooperation with a partner.
With multiple anechoic measuring chambers, technology centers for analog and digital PCB manufacturing as well as comprehensive high frequency technology, the institute is superbly equipped for the development of modern sensor systems. With a budget of approx. 34.6 million euros and staff of about 340, Fraunhofer FHR is one of the largest radar research institutes in Europe. Through the institute‘s own research groups at universities and the numerous lecturing and teaching activities of its staff members, new insights from basic research are continuously being incorporated into the institute‘s work. In addition, thanks to its excellent network within and outside of the Fraunhofer Society, for instance as members of Research Fab Microelectronics Germany, the institute has access to broad, interdisciplinary knowledge and is always able to find the ideal consortium, even for large-scale projects.
The ability to carry out non-contact measurements and the penetration of materials using high frequency and radar technology open up a range of possibilities for the localization of objects and people. That is why the high frequency sensors of Fraunhofer FHR – from traditional waveguide technology to highly integrated silicon-germanium chips, and thanks to the advances in miniaturization, digitalization, and systems that self-adapt to each situation – are an affordable and attractive option for an increasing number of application areas, some of them highly sophisticated.
At the 2020 IEEE Radar Conference, Fraunhofer FHR presents applications with focus on its business units Space and Traffic.

Business Unit Space
Fraunhofer is a leader in space observation and reconnaissance based on radar technology: The institute develops systems and processes for the detection, tracking, imaging, and analysis of objects such as satellites or space debris in orbit and creates risk analyses. For this purpose, Fraunhofer has developed the virtually unique TIRA system and is currently developing the complementary system GESTRA for continuous surveillance in space.

Business Unit Traffic
Fraunhofer FHR uses new hardware concepts and software-controlled systems to optimize radar for increased security in the air, at sea, and on the road. From smart automotive radars that adapt themselves to each traffic situation to sea rescue systems capable of reliably detecting even very small objects at sea all the way to landing aids in helicopters.