Modular Active Radars System (MARS) - Summary

MARS aims to develop a compact, modular front end for low power, frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar operating around 120 GHz. The system architecture for on-chip, multipliers and amplifiers forming transmit and receive channels enables a self-contained module. This modular approach provides flexibility for civilian applications such as non-destructive testing and imaging. The modular, scalable approac makes the system maximally flexible with back end post-processing being tailored to the application. Individual antenna systems will be designed providing the required overall antenna beam pattern. This project in innovative is several ways: novel device models will allow for accurate circuit design reducing the development costs by as much as two wafer runs. The chips will be fully integrated into a system-in-package (SiP) with 3D printed interconnects and compact antennas, which reduces losses and improves range and performance of the overall module.