A novel method for beat frequency error correction for a low cost FMCW radar using VCO sweep characteristics

In this paper, we present a simple nonlinearity correction method for a linear frequency modulated continues wave (FMCW) radar. When a typical varactor-tuned voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) is used as the source, we find that the range resolution could be dramatically improved by proper time gating of the beat signals with nonlinearity compensation circuitry. We propose how to optimize the time gating interval and position for an implemented W-band transceiver and verify the improvement of target selectivity of an FMCW radar sensor.