Millimeter wave UWB pulse radar front-end ICs

The 26 GHz and 79 GHz UWB frequency bands are used for short-range radar applications for automobile. In this paper, single chip front-end ICs for both frequency bands are presented. The pulsed oscillator at 26 GHz can produce UWB short pulses. It consumes power only during short duty cycles; thus, it allows a power-efficient radar. A stereo radar, which comprises two synchronized radars, is demonstrated with the ICs. Hybrid beam forming techniques based on base-band delay are also demonstrated. The pulsed front-end architecture of the proposed 79 GHz UWB pulse radar is discussed, which is expected to reduce power consumption. The performance of some circuit elements is also reported.