Low-cost microwave vehicle radar for obstacle detection
Abstract
A Swedish SME has developed a new technology platform for cost-efficient design and manufacturing of 76 - 81 GHz short-to-long range (SRR and LRR) microwave radars with electronic scanning capabilities. They are interested in technical cooperation with companies working with radar applications for traffic safety (car radar, train radar, road surveillance) or process automation. Depending upon the application, either a license agreement or small-scale production can be offered.
Description
A Swedish SME conducts design and manufacturing of SiGe RFIC (Silicon-Germanium Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit) and integrated microwave modules, where all high-frequency parts of the radar are integrated on the same substrate. Thin-film process technology is used for high-resolution patterning of high-frequency interconnects, passive components and planar antennas. A substrate lens technique is used to achieve increased antenna apertures for narrow-beam emission and to realize beam angle scanning. The radar operates in the band 76 - 81 GHz and uses FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) modulation.
Innovative Aspects:
Highly integrated microwave substrates, in combination with substrate lens antennas, make it possible to eliminate mechanical high-frequency interconnects, such as waveguides or coaxial connectors. Beam scanning can be performed using only one transceiver channel and semiconductor switching. No phase shifters or patch arrays are required.
The absence of high-performance mechanical parts and a reduced component count, due to a simple and robust electronic scanning scheme, as well as change of RFIC process technology, make it possible to drastically reduce the cost of radar manufacturing.
