A Multipurpose 76 GHz Radar Transceiver System for Automotive Applications Based on SiGe MMICs

Abstract

In this paper a SiGe chipset for automotive applications in the band around 76 GHz is presented. The first MMIC contains a VCO at a frequency of 38 GHz for LO generation. The second MMIC encloses a complete transceiver at 76 GHz. The main goal of this work is to create a first functional version of a VCO and an one channel transceiver MMIC. With these MMICs it will be possible to build up multipurpose radar systems with a variable number of transceivers, to construct MIMO architectures. What makes this system innovative is the fact, that it is able to handle broader signals than know systems. Furthermore it isn't limited to one modulation scheme. It is possible to transmit and receive any signal form with platforms build out of these chips. The VCO MMIC achieves a tuning frequency range of 5 GHz with a center frequency of 35 GHz. It consumes 152 mW from a 3.3 V supply. The transceiver MMIC is fully functional and achieves a saturated output power of 9.5 dBm drawing 570 mW from a 3.3 V supply.