An FMCW Radar Transceiver Chip for Object Positioning and Human Limb Motion Detection

This letter proposes a frequency modulated continuous wave radar transceiver chip and a method to position objects as well as detect human limb motions. Implemented in 65-nm CMOS, the chip presents 2-GHz bandwidth centered at 15 GHz and consumes only 210 mW, with performance among the best of the state of the art. Using the chip, imaging experiments for moving targets and human arm raisings are carried out. In addition, the demonstration of both object positioning and human limb-motion detection by the FMCW radar mode is believed to be the first time. This letter is beneficial for navigation systems, surveillance applications, and more.

I. Introduction

Continuous wave (CW) and frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radars are popular for industrial and consumer electronics, with many noteworthy works [1]–[11] reported recently. By detecting the phase difference between the transmitted signals and received echoes, a CW radar can distinguish micro motions, making it useful for monitoring human activity and even physiological signals (e.g., respiration, heartbeat, body movement) [1]–[3]. Dissimilarly, an FMCW radar can detect the ranges and velocities of objects so that it can be used to position targets [4]–[9].