An X-Band CMOS Multifunction-Chip FMCW Radar

Abstract

A fully integrated, miniaturized, low-power frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) multifunction chip realized by typical 1P6M 0.18 gm deep n-well CMOS technology is presented for the first time. The multifunction chip consists of VCO, buffer amplifier, 3-dB power divider, isolators, driving amplifiers, mixer, low-noise amplifier, attenuator, etc., necessary for carrying out the X-band RF signal processing of the FMCW signals interfaced to dual antenna arrays. The chip real estate measures 2.4 mm by 1.3 mm. The entire FMCW chip design is based on the synthetic complementary-conductingstrips (CCS) quasi-TEM transmission line. The transmitter output is 3.5 dBm for frequencies between 9.5-11.0 GHz and maximum tuning bandwidth is nearly 150 MHz. The receiver channel has conversion gain of 6 dB. The calculated range is in good agreement with the measurement data.

A system-on-package integration of X-band FMCW sensor RF frontend module

“…The "beat frequency" can be used to determining the location and speed of the object, whereas the ratio of the signal received by the sum and difference patterns of the receiving antenna pair is used to determine the angle of the object. The theory of FMCW sensing techniques are readily available [1]- [3] and will not be detailed here.…”

“…1. Detailed description of this chip can be found in [3]. The multilayer 180° hybrid, embedded ring filter, and antennas will be briefly described in the following subsections.…”

“…This paper presents an system on package (SoP) integration of an RF frontend module for short distance moving object detection using Xband FMCW sensing technology. The module is mainly composed of a CMOS multifunction chip for use in RF frontend of the FMCW-based sensor that operates at X-band [3], which is mounted on a low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrate. The various passive components are built in the substrate, such as a multilayer 180° hybrid [4], two embedded ring filters [5], and two sets of electric bandgap (EBG) structure backed single arm fractional spiral antennas [6].…”

Super Compact Miniaturization of CMOS RFICs Using Synthetic Quasi-TEM Transmission Lines

“…The concept of CCS TL, was recently reported and successfully employed to miniaturize radiofrequency integrated circuits (RFICs) to achieve high integration [13]. The CCS TL can be represented as a lumped inductor.…”

Multi-Channel Receiver for an E-band FMCW Imaging Radar

“…FMCW radar systems are finding application not only in the automotive industry as hazard/collision avoidance sensors, but in such diverse applications as industrial production monitors [1], ground penetrating sensors [2], ice thickness profiling [3] and vehicle sensors for multilane highway transportation systems. As opposed to pulsed radars, FMCW sensors are particularly useful for applications requiring high resolution at short ranges, typically less than 100 meters.…”