Transceiver chip enables millimetre-wave radar systems

Millimetre-wave radar technology is used in ADAS to improve safety in conditions such as dust, fog and darkness, where image-based driver assistance systems lack robustness. Alongside invisible mounting capabilities, the technology offers a longer range and a higher precision than ultrasound sensors. Based on 28nm CMOS technology, the transceiver chip provides users with a low-power, compact and integrated solution, making it an attractive alternative to SiGe-based devices. Moreover, at the expected high manufacturing volumes, CMOS technology is intrinsically low-cost.

The device contains a control loop to suppress the spill over from the transmitter into the receiver without affecting the RF performance. With a power consumption of 260mW, the output power of the transceiver chip is 11dBm, while the RX gain is 35dB with a noise figure below 7dB and a TX-to-RX spill over suppression of 15dB. Due to the device's wide modulation bandwidth, its achievable depth resolution is 7.5cm.

“We are pleased with these performance results on 28nm CMOS technology and excited about the opportunities they present for millimetre-wave radar systems, not only for automotive radar, but also for other applications such as smart homes, UAVs and robotics.” said Wim Van Thillo, Programme Director, Perceptive Systems for the IoT, imec.