MEMS-Based Millimeter Front-end for Automotive Radar Applications

Abstract

Automotive front-end radars are key components in modern vehicles. They are used in automatic cruise control (ACC) for advanced drive-assistance and security functions, including collision-avoidance systems. Automotive safety is being studied intensively both in industry and academia. One of the most serious limitations of high performance radar are beam-forming network systems, due to the complexity and bulkiness arising from the additional circuitry and hardware needed to implement multiple functionalities into the systems. This limitation can, however, be minimized and made cost-effective by capitalizing on the numerous advantages of RF MEMS and WG technologies. To resolve this issue, the present study covers the characterization of SPST and SPNT RF-MEMS switches at 77 GHz, the investigation and fabrication of a Rotman lens at 77 GHz, and the development of the ground work for a 3D monolithically integrated BFN on a single silicon substrate.