Enhancing Angle Estimation Accuracy of Ultra Compact Two-Channel Radar MMICs at 160 GHz Using a Biomimetic Antenna Array

Abstract

An ultra compact monostatic two-channel radar MMIC at 160 GHz with enhanced angle estimation accuracy is presented. The MMIC is built up of two transceivers as well as two chip integrated antennas. The small antenna aperture of a quarter wavelength is enhanced by applying a biomimetic antenna array. As a consequence, the MMIC only occupies a chip area of 2.40×1.15 mm2. Radar measurements are performed to evaluate the angle estimation capability of the MMIC and it is shown that the accuracy of the angle estimation is enhanced by a factor of 2.2 by using the biomimetic antenna system.