A 77-GHz Quasi-Monopulse Tracking Radar with Metamaterial Lens and Transceiver Feeds

A compact and lightweight 77-GHz tracking radar with metamaterial based lens and multiple monopulse operation modes is presented. High gain is achieved by combining low-cost patch antennas with the flat lens. The planar circuits are fabricated without radiofrequency vias to realize a cost-effective sensor. Limited routing options are overcome by utilizing commercial automotive 77-GHz transceiver chips. This degree of freedom allows a multitude of TX/RX combinations, generating several beams that can be operated in either sequential-lobing mode with high-gain beams, sequential azimuth and elevation monopulse mode, or even in a fast single shot full-monopulse mode. Successful 2D-angle measurements based on the monopulse function are presented, employing a tracking demonstrator that precisely follows a reflector, which may represent a drone in future.