A compact W-band LFMCW radar module with high accuracy and integrated signal processing

In this paper, a compact W-band radar module will be presented, design aspects will be discussed and some measurement results of the finally realized module will be shown. The module features an integrated signal generation, full signal processing and power distribution. The signal generation is based on a phase-locked loop, optimized for linear frequency-modulated continuous-wave operation. A digital signal processor also works as internal controller and provides the digital interfaces. Due to the integrated power distribution, a single 7 to 15V power supply is necessary. In contrast to most state-of-the-art W-band systems using waveguides, a liquid crystal polymer based printed circuit board with integrated antenna and dielectric lens is used to realize a very compact module size of 42mm × 80mm × 27mm and low weight of 160 g. The total power consumption is 5 W, the radio frequency output power is 3dBm and the linear frequency-modulated contimuous-wave radar bandwidth is 14 GHz. The evaluated distance measurement repeatability of the module is 5 ppm (5μm deviation per meter target distance).