Types of ADAS Sensors in Use Today

With technology revolutionising the automotive industry, vehicles have converted into intelligent machines that enhance safety and convenience, optimise performance, and provide personalised driving experiences.

A key driver of this transformation is the integration of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), a crucial component powered by a complex network of sensors.

But what types of sensor technologies are used in ADAS and how do they work? Let us learn!

A Closer Look at the Types of ADAS Sensors Used in Today’s Vehicles

Camera Sensors

Camera sensors capture visual data through a lens and detect and recognise objects, traffic signs, pedestrians and lanes.

Preventing lane departures and forward collisions, these ADAS sensors ensure drivers and passengers remain safe on their journey while enjoying a safer and more convenient driving experience.

Furthermore, such ADAS sensors offer a range of innovative features, such as:

• Automatic parking for hassle-free parking experiences.
• Real-time feedback for increased driver awareness.
• Adaptive cruise control to navigate highways effortlessly.
• Night vision systems for improved visibility, especially in low-light environments.

Cost: Low

RADAR Sensors

Short form of Radio Detection and Ranging, RADAR sensors detect objects using radio waves rather than visual light.

These ADAS sensors measure speed and distance accurately and perform well even in low-light conditions and adverse weather conditions, such as rain and fog.

Offering higher accuracy and a wider field of view, RADAR sensors provide instant data, which results in the following:

• Improved safety and reduced accidents.
• Increased situational awareness.
• Improved reaction time.
• Optimised route guidance.
• Enhanced convenience and effortless driving.

Cost: Relatively higher

LiDAR Sensors

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors offer high-resolution, 3D mapping of the environment using multiple lasers as the energy source.

These ADAS sensors emit laser pulses and detect the reflected pulses to respond to objects, pedestrians, and road conditions, enabling ADAS to detect objects with precision and speed.

Other crucial features of this type of ADAS sensor include:

• Real-time data processing and object classification.
• Adaptive cruise control.
• Lane change assist.
• Long-range object detection.
• High-resolution 3D point clouds
• Robust performance in darkness, sunlight, oncoming headlights and adverse weather.

Cost: Typically, more expensive than RADAR sensors

Ultrasonic Sensors

Ultrasonic sensors, also known as SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging) sensors, use sound waves to detect multiple objects around vehicles simultaneously.

These sensors emit high-frequency sound waves which bounce off objects and return to the sensors.

By doing so, ultrasonic sensors calculate the distance and proximity of objects and enable ADAS safety features such as lane change assist, forward collision warning, blind spot detection and parking assistance.

Cost: Generally, less expensive

GPS/GNSS Sensors

Both GPS and GNSS sensors utilise satellite signals to calculate accurate velocity and location.

Short Form for Global Positioning System (GPS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), these types of ADAS sensors enhance traffic management, driver comfort and navigation accuracy.

Leveraging the power of multiple frequencies, GPS/GNSS sensors easily combat atmospheric interference and ensure uninterrupted detection even in challenging environments.

These sensors help:

• Detect and respond to surroundings accurately.
• Locate potential hazards.
• Reduce accidents.
• Recognise traffic signs.
• Navigate complex routes with increased reliability, precision and safety.

Cost: Less expensive

Conclusion

Modern vehicles rely on various types of ADAS sensors to offer advanced safety features. Helpful in preventing accidents and saving lives, ADAS sensors make every drive safer and more autonomous, thereby enhancing driver and passenger comfort.

However, precise calibration of your ADAS sensors is vital to ensure optimal performance of your vehicle, especially when getting your windshield repaired or replaced.

AIS Windshield Experts understand the importance of a functional ADAS, therefore, it offers professional windshield camera recalibration services. The expert technicians of AIS Windshield Experts carefully calibrate different ADAS sensors and guarantee that your vehicle’s ADAS works flawlessly.