A SiGe-based 16-channel phased array radar system at W-Band for automotive applications

A phased array radar system operating at 79 GHz, appropriate for installation onto vehicles, is developed. The system includes a wide field transmitter and a receiver with a single packaged SiGe RFIC containing 16 5-bit phase shifters with variable gain amplifiers for amplitude weighting. Each phase shifter is wirebonded to a linear series fed antenna etched on an organic RF substrate. Both the transmit and receive front end are mounted onto a mobile test bed, with a control bus for the phase shifters, analog to digital converters for the radar IF signal, and signal processing software. A mobile test bed is then used to test the radar in a variety of scenarios, especially in regards to crossing pedestrians and pedestrian/vehicle separation. Measurements show that the receiver has a field of view of 110 degrees in azimuth, without sacrificing fine beam control.