Tutorial, Experiments & Teardown of a 77GHz Automotive FMCW Radar Module

[Hugoneus]

In this episode Shahriar explores the principle operation of automotive FMCW radars. Thanks to a donated automotive radar module, various components of the system can be examined and explored. The PCB reveals three die-on-PCB ASICs responsible for generating and receiving 77GHz FMCW signals coupled to a 2D array of antennas. Several microwave components such as rat-race couplers and branchline couplers can also be observed. PCB rulers from SV1AFN Design Lab (link below) also show these microwave components at much lower frequencies. Two other ICs are used for ramp generation and PLL as well as a multi-input LNA/PGA/AAF with 12-bit ADC for IF processing. All components are examined under the microscope and the frequency of operation is calculated by measuring the branchline coupler's dimensions.

Finally a simple Doppler effect radar is constructed by using a doubler, power divider, mixer and a pair of Vivaldi horn antennas. The Doppler effect can be observed by moving an object in front of the antenna pair.

You can watch the video here: [27 Minutes]
youtu.be/8af9YVIqhRk

Get your microwave ruler here:
https://www.sv1afn.com/pcbruler.html

The Signal Path
www.TheSignalPath.com
www.YouTube.com/TheSignalPath
www.Patreon.com/TheSignalPath

[sp2ipt]

Am I missing something or did Shahriar forget to terminate the coupler with a load?

[coppice]

In the video Shahriar talked about the chip on PCB approach being used for cost reduction, but surely its mostly because packages limit performance so much at 77GHz.

[HighVoltage]

Very nice video!
I have one of these in my car and always wanted to know more details.
You have a very good way of presenting your amazing knowledge.

[Hugoneus]

Am I missing something or did Shahriar forget to terminate the coupler with a load?

Doh! 

[Hugoneus]

In the video Shahriar talked about the chip on PCB approach being used for cost reduction, but surely its mostly because packages limit performance so much at 77GHz.

You can make a package that works at 77GHz fairly easily, it just won't be very cheap...

[NiHaoMike]

Too bad they didn't send what remains of the broken board, as it would have some interesting DSP hardware on it, maybe even still valuable if it's a high end FPGA that's still intact. (Maybe that's why?)

[coppice]

Too bad they didn't send what remains of the broken board, as it would have some interesting DSP hardware on it, maybe even still valuable if it's a high end FPGA that's still intact. (Maybe that's why?)

This is a consumer product, not some exotic piece of military technology. Whatever is on the other board, its something reasonably priced.