Method and radiation detector for automotive radar tests

A radiation detector for testing a radio frequency attenuation, the radiation detector comprising an electronic circuit, wherein the radiation detector is positionable at a distance with respect to a radar cover and/or a radar device;

• wherein the radiation detector is configured to:
• receive at least one radar signal radiated by the radar device, wherein the radar signal passes through the radar cover,
• determine a radiated power on the basis of the received radar signal, wherein the radiated power is calculated based on a receiving power measured by the radiation detector, calibration data of the radiation detector, and a free-space path loss that depends on the distance, and
• derive information about the radio frequency attenuation of the radar cover from the radiated power by using a reference value of radiated power.

A method of testing a radio frequency attenuation of a radar cover, the method comprising:

• providing a radiation detector and a radar device;
• locating the radiation detector with respect to the radar device and/or the radar cover at a distance;
• providing a signal guide between the radar device and the radiation detector, wherein the signal guide comprises an absorber structure;
• obtaining a reference value of radiated power;
• receiving, by the radiation detector, a radar signal radiated by the radar device, wherein the radar signal passes through the radar cover;
• determining a radiated power on the basis of the received radar signal;
• and
• deriving information about the radio frequency attenuation of the radar cover from the radiated power determined by using the reference value.