A 120 GHz FMCW radar frontend demonstrator based on a SiGe chipset

  • Martin Jahn
  • , Andreas Stelzer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper presents a frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar operating at 120 GHz, which features silicon–germanium (SiGe) chips that employ HBTs with 320 GHz fmax. The chipset comprises a fundamental-wave signal-generation chip with a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) that provides frequencies between 114 and 130 GHz and a corresponding dual–transceiver (TRX) chip that supports monostatic and quasi-monostatic radar configurations. The cascode amplifiers used in the TRX chip were characterized in separate test chips and yielded peak small-signal gains of approximately 15 dB. Finally, a quasi-monostatic two-channel FMCW radar frontend with on-board differential microstrip antennas was built on an RF substrate. FMCW radar measurements with frequency chirps from 116 to 123 GHz verified the functionality of the designed radar sensor.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)309 - 315
Number of pages7
JournalInternational Journal of Microwave and Wireless Technologies
Volume4
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2012

Fields of science

  • 202019 High frequency engineering
  • 202029 Microwave engineering
  • 202033 Radar technology

JKU Focus areas

  • Mechatronics and Information Processing

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