Si Based UWB Radar Sensors - Design, Development, and Production

Automotive short-range sensor networks at 24 GHz represent the first truly high volume commercial system at mm-wave, with first year production quantities already eclipsing previous products such as autonomous cruise control (ACC), and the various microwave radio networks (e.g. LMDS). The emphasis on product quality, reliability, cost, and performance demanded by automotive OEMs has meant that an innovative approach to product development, packaging, and test has had to be introduced to mm-wave products. This paper will highlight some of the key technical hurdles and their solutions in the development and introduction to production of a 24 GHz UWB radar sensor based on custom-designed SiGe ICs