This paper deals with some aspects of an embedded infrared system devo
ted to automotive obstacle detection and avoidance. After having point
ed out the specific constraints of the application, we present and dis
cuss the choices made for the overall architecture of the system. A de
tailed description of the whole system is then presented. Effort has b
een spent to improve the detection-range accuracy taking into account
the size and cost constraints needed in the automotive field. This las
er radar system is a part of a collision-avoidance system demonstrator
studied within the framework of the PROMETHEUS program.