MSc thesis project proposal

Optimal frequency generation scheme for mm-Wave automotive radar

Project outside the university

NXP

It is unpractical to operate mmWave frequency generation systems with a fundamental frequency oscillator.  In general, tuning range, quality factor and availability of (static) frequency dividers lead to implementation of the local oscillator at a different (generally lower) frequency as the system input and output frequency range. Therefore, a frequency multiplier of some type (doubler, tripler, or larger factors) needs to be implemented. Another aspect of modern mmWave systems is the use of a large number of transmit and receive elements. This can be used, for example, to enable TX and RX beam steering, digital beam forming, and possibly MIMO with a number of transmit antennas and digital beam forming on the receive path. In the literature, systems with 8 TX and 8 RX elements for automotive radar have been described.

Assignment

In this thesis, the automotive radar to be considered consists of a 3TX – 4 RX configuration. The objective of the study is to propose the best overall power-efficiency configuration for frequency distribution and generation, departing from an oscillator operating at 25.3 to 27 GHz. To be considered are, among other aspects: loss of transmission lines for different  frequency multiplication and frequency distribution configurations. The candidate will investigate trade-offs associated with different frequency multiplication schemes towards operation on the 76-81 GHz, and will propose a design for a high-power-efficiency frequency tripler in 40nm CMOS technology, fitting the chosen concept.

Overview on Dolphin Prototype Architecture
Overview on Dolphin Prototype Architecture

Contact

prof.dr. Alexander Yarovoy

Microwave Sensing, Signals and Systems Group

Department of Microelectronics

Last modified: 2020-09-23