77 GHz fully-MMIC automotive forward-looking radar [using pHEMTs]

A fully-MMIC 77 GHz T/R module has been developed, which is incorporated with microstrip-patch planar antennas to constitute a one-body antenna/transceiver (A/T) unit for automotive forward-looking radars. The module employs a single-cavity structure for low cost manufacturing to house a dielectric interconnecting sheet and four MMIC chips consisting of a 77 GHz fundamental frequency VCO, a power amplifier and two receivers. A newly developed filtering lid for the cavity facilitates a 90 dB isolation between the Tx and Rx ports of the module to avoid undesirable interference. When combined with signal processing electronics, the A/T unit achieved a >120 m maximum detection range and a 16 deg. azimuth angle coverage.