60-GHz radar sensor delivers high integration

Infineon Technologies AG has introduced its new BGT60UTR11AIP XENSIV 60-GHz radar sensor with a size of 16 mm². Claiming the smallest 60-GHz radar sensor with antennas in package (AIP), the radar sensor targets a range of consumer electronics, IoT applications and healthcare devices. Applications include vital sensing (heart and respiratory rate) and other healthcare devices such as baby monitors and sleep trackers; consumer electronics such as laptops, TVs and cameras, as well as smart home and building devices such as air conditioners, thermostats and smart doorbells. Industrial applications include robotics and tank level measurement.

XENSIV 60-GHz radar sensor with AIP (Source: Infineon Technologies AG)

The monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) is based on Infineon’s B11 SiGe BiCMOS technology, which is reported to deliver excellent radio frequency (RF) performance. The chip features an ultra-wide bandwidth of 5.6 GHz and a ramp speed of 400 MHz/µs. This translates into high-resolution frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) operation with sensitive presence and motion detection at a range of up to 15 m (50 ft).

In addition, the MMIC’s built-in broadcast mode allows multiple chips to be synchronized and includes on-chip sensors for measuring Tx output power and temperature.

The FMCW radar sensor enables precise distance measurement, 1D gesture and vital sign detection, at sub-mm motion detection capabilities. The integrated antennas provide a ±60° field of view and an integrated state machine enables real-time data acquisition without processor interaction, said Infineon. The MMIC also includes a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with a sampling rate of up to 4 mega samples per second (MSPS). A hardware deep sleep mode delivers ultra-low power operation.

The BGT60UTR11AIP XENSIV 60-GHz radar can be ordered now and will begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2023. For an initial evaluation of the radar sensor, the DEMO BGT60UTR11AIP and the Radar Development Kit (RDK) are available for download from the Infineon Developer Center (IDC).

In addition, Infineon’s associated partner RFbeam Microwave has integrated the BGT60UTR11AIP radar transceiver into its new V-LD1 level measurement module. An evaluation kit is available from RFbeam.