Expanding its radar sensing solutions to in-cabin monitoring, indie Semiconductor, Inc. has claimed the industry’s first volume production-ready, 120-GHz IQ radar front-end (RFE) transceiver that features on-chip integrated antennas. The highly integrated TRXˍ120ˍ067 radar transceiver includes a low-noise amplifier (LNA), quadrature mixers, a poly-phase filter, a voltage-controlled oscillator, divide-by-32 outputs and transmit and receive antennas.
The TRXˍ120ˍ067 delivers high resolution and low power consumption (380 mW) in a small form factor, while eliminating the need for external antennas The supply voltage is 3.3 V.
(Source: indie Semiconductor)
Meeting the requirements for emerging automotive radar systems, the higher frequency TRXˍ120ˍ067 targets in-cabin driver and occupant monitoring systems (DMS/OMS) that will require higher frequencies from 120 GHz to 140 GHz. Although targeting the 122 GHz – 123 GHz ISM band, it is also possible to extend the bandwidth to the full tuning range of 6 GHz, according to the company.
The 120-GHz radar transceiver is designed for short range radar systems with a range up to about 10 meters, although the range can be increased by using dielectric lenses or reflectors, according to the company. The RFE can be used in both FMCW mode and CW mode.
Indie’s recent acquisition of Silicon Radar GmbH extended the company’s automotive radar applications, particularly with the 120-GHz solution. Operation at 120 GHz or above allows antennas to be integrated in package or on-die, which simplifies the PCB design, minimizes the sensor form factor and reduces cost particularly in in-cabin occupant monitoring systems, said indie.
Radar is widely used in long-range sensing solutions for safety and convenience features such as automated emergency braking (AEB), automated parking and adaptive cruise control (ACC), using frequencies between 76 GHz to 81 GHz, said indie. However, radar is becoming increasingly important for higher resolution DMS/OMS, leveraging higher frequencies from 120 GHz to 140 GHz for vital sign detection, including heartbeat and respiration, to ensure occupant safety, added the company.
“As international vehicle safety assessment programs such as European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) mandate or recommend driver and occupant monitoring, in-cabin sensing solutions will rapidly proliferate and ultimately play a critical role in enhancing overall safety, said Indie Semiconductor.
The TRXˍ120ˍ067, supplied in a QFN56, 8 x 8 mm² package, is sampling now. High-volume production is scheduled for the second quarter in 2024. An evaluation kit is available. Click here for the data sheet.
Advertisement
