A 77-GHz FMCW radar transceiver MMIC/waveguide integration approach

Abstract

System integration is an important aspect in today's mm-wave systems. Monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) operating at mm-wave frequencies have become inexpensive and are now available even for lower volume applications. Most systems, however, rely on radio frequency (RF) substrates, bare-die chips and wire bonding, which makes them hard to handle and expensive. In this paper we present one possible solution: the integration of a 77-GHz frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar transceiver MMIC with an antenna in package that directly feeds a WR12 waveguide. The proposed system does not require RF substrate, is based on a packaged transceiver MMIC with a ball grid array, and has a WR12 interface that allows for a flexible combination with other WR12 components. We present simulation results of the MMIC to WR12 transition as well as measurement results of the integrated module.