79GHz CMOS sensor chips target automotive radar

As an important step towards the fully automated car, the development of a first demonstrator in 28nm CMOS technology is well under way. Infineon and imec expect functional CMOS sensor chip samples in the third quarter of 2016. A complete radar system demonstrator is scheduled for the beginning of 2017.

Typically, there are up to three radar systems in today’s vehicle equipped with driver assistance functions. In the future, with fully automated cars up to ten radar systems and ten more sensor systems using camera or lidar technologies may potentially be utilised.

Ralf Bornefeld, Vice President & General Manager, Sense & Control, Infineon Technologies, commented: “Infineon enables the radar-based safety cocoon of the partly and fully automated car. In the future, we will manufacture radar sensor chips as a single-chip solution in a classic CMOS process for applications like automated parking. Infineon will continue to set industry standards in radar technology and quality.”

“We are excited to work with Infineon as a valuable partner in our R&D programme on advanced CMOS-based 77 and 79GHz radar technology. Compared to the mainstream 24GHz band, the 77 and 79GHz bands enable a finer range, Doppler and angular resolution. With these advantages, we aim to realise radar prototypes with integrated MIMO antennas that not only detect large objects, but also pedestrians and bikers and thus contribute to a safer environment for all,” added Wim Van Thillo, Programme Director, Perceptive Systems, imec.