A complete CMOS UWB Timed-Array Transmitter with a 3D vivaldi antenna array for electronic high-resolution beam spatial scanning

We present a new Ultra Wide Band (UWB) Timed-Array Transmitter System with Beamforming capability for high-resolution remote acquisition of vital signals. The system consists of four identical channels, where each is formed of a serial topology with three modules: programmable delay circuit (PDC or τ), a novel UWB 5^th Gaussian Derivative order pulse generator circuit (PG), and a planar Vivaldi antenna. The circuit was designed using 0.18μm CMOS standard process and the planar antenna array was designed with film-conductor on Rogers RO3206 substrate. Spice simulations results showed the pulse generation with 104 mVpp amplitude and 500 ps width. The power consumption is 543 μW, and energy consumption 0.27 pJ per pulse using a 2V power supply at a pulse repetition rate (PRR) of 100 MHz. Electromagnetic simulations results, using CST Microwave (MW) Studio 2011, showed the main lobe radiation with a gain maximum of 13.2 dB, 35.5° × 36.7° angular width, and a beam steering between 17° and -11° for azimuthal (θ) angles and 17° and -18° for elevation (φ) angles at the center frequency of 6 GHz.