HiRain's LRR615 brings China's first high-density waveguide antenna to 4D imaging radar

On 24 April 2025, HiRain Technologies announced the LRR615, a production-intent long-range imaging radar system built on Arbe Robotics' 4D imaging radar chipset^[1]. The LRR615 is the first radar system in China to feature a high-density waveguide antenna, a design choice that improves image clarity, detection sensitivity, and signal integrity compared with conventional antenna approaches.^[1]

What the chipset delivers

The Arbe chipset at the heart of the LRR615 is a multichip architecture integrating three automotive-grade ICs on a single die, fabricated on GlobalFoundries' 22FDX FD-SOI process^[1]. That process integrates RF, analog, and digital blocks together, reducing system cost and shortening time to market^[1]. Key claimed performance figures:

• 2,304 virtual channels processed in real time^[1]
• 3 Tbits/s equivalent processing throughput^[1]
• Over 10,000 detections at 20 fps^[1]
• 1° azimuth resolution at ranges exceeding 300 m

The chipset achieves 1° azimuth and 1.25° elevation resolution at distances exceeding 300 meters across a 100° field of view. Arbe claims this makes it the first radar in the industry to generate a real-time 4D image of the surrounding environment at that resolution^[1].

LRR615 as a LiDAR alternative

HiRain positioned the LRR615 as a production-intent system now available for OEM evaluation. With long-range detection and high resolution in challenging environments while minimizing false alarms, the system presents a cost-effective and scalable imaging sensor that complements cameras and offers an alternative to LiDAR. The radar system delivers 10× detection capabilities compared with current radars on the market, according to HiRain.

The LRR615 synergizes with existing camera sensors and radar systems to deliver comprehensive L2+ to L3 autonomous functionalities. HiRain has completed full-system integration, calibration, and validation of the LRR615 and is ramping up production capacity to achieve mass delivery of tens of thousands of units annually.

Radar extends into the cabin

The LRR615 addresses exterior perception, but automotive radar is also moving inside the vehicle. Texas Instruments introduced the AWRL6844 on 6 January 2025, a 60 GHz mmWave sensor targeting in-cabin occupancy monitoring^[1]. TI's edge AI-enabled AWRL6844 enables engineers to incorporate three in-cabin sensing features to replace multiple sensor technologies, such as in-seat weight mats and ultrasonic sensors, lowering total implementation costs by an average of US$20 per vehicle. The device handles:

• Seat-belt reminder systems
• Child presence detection
• Intrusion detection when parked

TI is calling the AWRL6844 the industry's first single-chip 60 GHz mmWave radar sensor that can support three critical in-cabin sensing applications, with edge AI capabilities leveraging an on-chip accelerator and DSP to process data locally. This direct sensing capability enables OEMs to meet 2025 Euro NCAP design requirements.

Market context

The 4D imaging radar market was valued at $392.8 million in 2025 and is projected to reach $1,206.9 million by 2030, a CAGR of 25.2%, according to MarketsandMarkets. Growth is primarily driven by increasing demand for enhanced vehicle safety, rising adoption of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles, and advancements in sensor fusion technologies. The ADAS segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 24.5% within that market.

The near-term question for designers is whether high-density waveguide antenna designs like the LRR615 can close the resolution gap with LiDAR at a cost point that justifies removing LiDAR from the sensor stack entirely - or whether the two technologies will continue to coexist in higher-level autonomy programs.