Multi-Channel Receiver for an E-band FMCW Imaging Radar

A 16-channel receiver module operating at E-band frequencies (80 GHz) is presented. This receiver module is a key component in our 3D FMCW imaging radar. The receiver, with an RF band of 78 to 81 GHz, employs a dual-conversion architecture with an IF band of 4.5 to 7.5 GHz. With a conversion gain of 48 dB, it has demonstrated a noise figure of typically 8 dB. This receiver, employing 115 MMICs and 8 alumina MICs, has established a new level of integration for mm-wave multi-chip modules (MCMs). The size of this module is only 2.375 times 1.355 times 0.63 inch with 16 waveguide inputs spaced 85 mils center-to-center.