The Development Process of the mm-Wave Technology
Starting with short wave lengths in 1928, over the years the applications of
electromagnetic waves have shifted toward the shorter wavelengths (=
higher frequencies). From the early 1970s the millimetre wave range was
used as well.
The shocking numbers of deaths on German roads every year and the increasing congestion prompted a discussion about possible solutions to these traffic problems.
AEG-Telefunken came to the conclusion that it ought to be possible to develop radar technology in the millimetre range for a device that could be installed in an automobile.
This gave rise to the first car radar, which operated on the 35 GHz/8.6 mm wavelength (1972).
Later, such a radar system was installed in a Kässbohrer bus (now Evobus) and presented to the international public. From this point on, AEG Telefunken received requests for further millimetre wave applications, for example:
In the area of communications, radio-relay systems operating on the 28 and 40 GHz /10.7 and 7.55 mm wavebands were tested. Along with military developments, such as the command post telecom network BIGSTAF on 51 and 60 GHz, this enabled not only basic knowledge, but also system experience to be gained in the functions of communications and radar technology in the millimetre range.
The shocking numbers of deaths on German roads every year and the increasing congestion prompted a discussion about possible solutions to these traffic problems.
AEG-Telefunken came to the conclusion that it ought to be possible to develop radar technology in the millimetre range for a device that could be installed in an automobile.
This gave rise to the first car radar, which operated on the 35 GHz/8.6 mm wavelength (1972).
Later, such a radar system was installed in a Kässbohrer bus (now Evobus) and presented to the international public. From this point on, AEG Telefunken received requests for further millimetre wave applications, for example:
- A doppler radar to measure the speed of electric locomotives independent of axial rotation (a method of measurement nowadays used in Germany's 185/189 class locomotives).
- A modified car radar for switcher locomotives
- An obstacle avoidance radar on the 60 GHz/5 mm waveband for helicopters, etc.
In the area of communications, radio-relay systems operating on the 28 and 40 GHz /10.7 and 7.55 mm wavebands were tested. Along with military developments, such as the command post telecom network BIGSTAF on 51 and 60 GHz, this enabled not only basic knowledge, but also system experience to be gained in the functions of communications and radar technology in the millimetre range.
