Analogue baseband processing for single chip radar proximity sensor

Abstract

An analogue intensive implementation of the baseband signal processing for a short range FMCW radar is presented. The intended use of the radar is proximity sensing. The choice for an analogue implementation is driven by the expected low production volume. This rules out small-feature size CMOS processes due to the start-up cost. The lower production volume combined with integration with the RF front-end leads to a BiCMOS implementation. The CMOS part uses a less advanced technology which in turn favours the use of an analogue intensive implementation of the baseband processing instead of a digital intensive implementation. This combination allows to pursue single chip integration with the RF front-end. The single chip allows to reduce the volume of the complete radar solution.