Integrated LNA-sub-harmonic mixer for 77 GHz automotive radar applications using GaAs pHEMT technology

An integrated low-noise amplifier (LNA) and sub-harmonic mixer (SHM) for automotive radar applications has been designed using 0.15/spl mu/m GaAs pHEMT technology. This MMIC operates at RF frequencies of 76 to 77 GHz, IF frequencies up to 3 GHz, and LO frequencies of 36 to 38.5 GHz. A typical conversion loss of 3dB has been measured for a 10 dBm LO input power with no observed compression up to -6 dBm RF input signal level. The resulting 2.5 mm/sup 2/ circuit area helps address the low-cost and small size needs of automotive radar components.