Martin Nalezinski

Novel FMCW radar system concept with adaptive compensation of phase errors

A new high-performance FMCW sensor system concept is presented. The approach is based on an adaptive signal processing scheme compensating phase errors caused by VCO phase noise as well as the non-linearity of the frequency modulation. The key component of the low-cost sensor is a SAW (surface acoustic wave) delay line representing a miniaturised high-precision radar reference path. A correction algorithm equalises the target signal according to the phase errors simultaneously measured with the reference path. Employing this method, an excellent range resolution as well as a high dynamic range and multi-target selectivlty is obtained, which has been experimentally demonstrated at millimetrewave frequencies.

A novel approach for LTCC packaging using a PBG structure for shielding and package mode suppression

A packaging solution for multifunctional modules up to an operating frequency of 50 GHz based on Low Temperature Cofired Ceramics (LTCC) is presented in this paper. A Ball Grid Array (BGA) as well as a Land Grid Array (LGA) transition from Printed Circuit Board (PCB) into a surface mounted module are proposed. They use a Photonic Bandgap (PBG) structure to suppress the excitation of parasitic modes e.g. by the SMT interconnect. This approach provides process tolerant transitions as well as it allows the integration of wave guide structures in buried layers. This measure provides a greater flexibility in the design of microwave circuits and a major potential for miniaturisation of microwave subsystems.

Novel 24 GHz FMCW front-end with 2.45 GHz SAW reference path for high-precision distance measurements

A new 24 GHz non-linear FMCW radar is reported, which features a high-precision 2.45 GHz SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) reference and adaptively compensates for phase errors by software. Kernel functions are implemented at a 2.45 GHz IF level reducing the expense of critical RF components in order to realize a fully planar front-end.

A 40 GHz LTCC receiver module using a novel submerged balancing filter structure

A SMT compatible 40 GHz discrete mixer in LTCC is proposed. A novel filter structure was implemented in a buried layer, which serves as a balun for a discrete balanced mixer at the same time. The design approach scales very well with frequency and stopband specification and allow the design of compact low cost modules.

Cost-minimized 24 GHz pulse oscillator for short-range automotive radar applications

This paper reports on the design of ultrawideband 24 GHz pulse oscillators developed for automotive radar applications. Due to system considerations (range resolution, dynamic range), such oscillator modules need to generate ultra-short coherent pulses. Measurement results of prototype oscillators demonstrate +5 dBm peak output power, less than 1 ns pulse width and excellent coherency. The oscillators were applied in a radar sensor and good performance was achieved.

UWB Pulse Oscillator at 24 GHz with 2.1 GHz Bandwidth for Industrial Radar Sensor Applications

A fast pulse oscillator in thin film technique at 24 GHz for high resolution low power industrial radar sensor applications is presented. Both linear and nonlinear simulation techniques as well as a simple mathematical model are employed for design and optimization. The 3dB-bandwidth of the pulse envelope is more than 2.1 GHz, the time duration is less than 480 ps. The average power of the pulses is compliant with FCC regulations for a pulse repetition frequency between 1 MHz and 4 MHz. The oscillator is mounted in a low-cost commercial package for SMT without significant performance degradation. Application in a radar sensor results in a range resolution of 10 cm.

Superregenerative Incoherent UWB Pulse Radar System

A new short range ultra wideband (UWB) radar system with a very simple design due to its superregenerative receiver concept has been studied. The system does not require any amplification of RF or IF signals which allows to build a very inexpensive low-power sensor. With measurements, simple mathematical models and a simulation in time-domain the voltage amplitude of the measurement signal of the receiver is investigated. The applicability as a sensor is shown in a radar device