22 November 2016

Infineon's radar chips used by RFbeam in low-cost 24GHz transceiver modules for motion detection and speed/distance measurement

At the recent electronica 2016 trade fair in Munich, Germany, RFbeam Microwave GmbH of St Gallen, Switzerland launched two low-cost 24GHz Tx/Rx transceiver modules (K-LD2 and K-MD2) that, respectively, use the BGT24LTR11 and BGT24MR2 24GHz industrial, scientific & medical (ISM)-band monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) radar transceiver chips of Munich-based Infineon Technologies AG, which offer a fully integrated low-phase-noise voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and built-in temperature-compensation circuit for VCO stabilization, as well as full ESD protection, B7HF200 200GHz bipolar SiGe: C process technology, and a single supply voltage of 3.3V.

Picture: RFbeam's K-LD2, a 2 × 4 patch Doppler module with an asymmetrical beam for low-cost short-distance applications that uses Infineon's BGT24LTR11 24GHz transceiver radar chip.

Using the BGT24LTR11 MMIC radar transceiver chip (consisting of one transmit channel and one receive channel), the K-LD2 single-transceiver module is claimed to be one of the smallest (25mm x 25mm) and lowest-power-consuming radar transceivers available. Incorporating integrated signal processing and 80° x 34° antenna pattern, the module can be used for applications where indoor/outdoor motion detection is required.

Using the BGT24MR2 MMIC radar transceiver chip (with two receive channels), the K-MD2 module supports speed, range and angle measurement and delivers a digital output. The integrated range-Doppler processing is suitable for high-end traffic applications. Each module offers what is said to be a reliable and robust solution defined for specific applications with a precise measurement of object detection.

The new modules hence provide a plug-and-play-solution for original equipment manufacturers in need of either motion detection for persons or speed/distance measurement capabilities.

Possible applications include advanced motion detection, speed, direction and distance measurement. Examples are movement and presence detection that can be integrated in advertising panels, for instance. In traffic applications, the radar system can be used for red light management for roadworks or speed detection, as well as car classification systems such as toll roads or car park barriers. Combining the technical features of Infineon's 24GHz industrial MMIC with RFbeam's modules reduces time to market, reckon the firms, adding that the effort and cost of developing complex algorithm can be minimized.

RFbeam's modules include antennas either with or without integrated signal processing, enabling manufacturers of industrial radar systems to optimize their system's capability. If necessary, this allows the detection of speed and direction of movement (approaching or retreating) in addition to the easier detection of motion only. RFbeam's exising portfolio offers three modules with various antenna characteristics, for MCU signal processing and different options for Doppler, FMCW (frequency modulated) or FSK (frequency shift keying) operation modes.

Tags: Infineon SiGe MMIC Radar

Visit: www.rfbeam.ch

Visit: www.infineon.com/24GHz