15-27 GHz pseudo-noise UWB transmitter for short-range automotive radar in a production SiGe technology

Short-range radar is a technology that potentially can help to enhance road safety. Recently, in the USA as well as in Europe, frequency bands around 24 GHz have been opened up for automotive radar applications. This paper describes an ultra-wideband (UWB) transmit path in a production 0.25 /spl mu/m SiGe BiCMOS IC technology. The UWB signal is generated by means of biphase modulation of a 24 GHz carrier with a pseudo-noise data signal. When no digital modulation signal is applied, the IC can be used for FM-CW modulation. The transmit path supports pseudo-noise biphase modulation up to 2 Gb/s data rates and generates an unmodulated output power between 2 and 5 dBm differentially for frequencies between 15-27 GHz. The 0.80/spl times/0.66 mm/sup 2/ IC dissipates 168 mW from a 3.3V supply.