What is the maintenance and calibration process for Honda's millimeter-wave radar?
2 Answers
Honda's millimeter-wave radar maintenance and calibration can adopt the internal calibration method. The internal calibration method refers to measuring the amplitude and phase errors of components such as transceiver modules, frequency conversion modules, and intermediate frequency receivers within the radar system through calibration networks, monitoring networks, or instrument equipment, and then performing calibration based on the measurement results. The following is an introduction to the internal calibration method: 1. The internal calibration method can be further divided into static methods and real-time methods. The static method refers to calibrating the system when the radar system is not in normal operation or before it starts working, with common methods such as network analyzer testing. 2. When using the static method for measurement, the system cannot operate normally. For radar systems, their characteristic parameters during normal operation differ significantly from those in static conditions. Moreover, with changes in operating time and environment, especially variations in operating temperature, the amplitude and phase characteristics of the transceiver channels will change. Therefore, the measurement accuracy of the static method is limited. Developing a calibration network with real-time measurement and calibration capabilities is of great significance for ensuring the long-term reliability and stability of W-band radar systems.
Last time the millimeter-wave radar on my Honda malfunctioned, and I carefully studied the repair and calibration process. The main steps involve first using diagnostic tools to identify the issue, such as radar damage or interference. Then, the radar must be removed from the vehicle—if it's faulty, it should be replaced. The critical step is calibration: it must be performed on level ground with proper tire pressure and full vehicle load, using a specialized calibration board and Honda diagnostic equipment aligned precisely with the radar position. The entire process requires angle precision within fractions of a degree—incorrect calibration can cause the radar system to misjudge, leading to adaptive cruise control failure. After repairs, road testing is necessary to ensure everything works correctly. This job must be done at a 4S shop or professional repair center—DIY isn't feasible due to the high technical and tooling requirements. Safety is paramount; inaccurate radar could cause accidents on highways, so any issues should be addressed immediately. Regular maintenance also helps prevent minor problems from escalating.
