Circuit Arrangement for a Front End of an Fmcw Radar Transceiver, Fmcw Radar Transceiver and Method for Operation

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This invention describes a specialized circuit arrangement for the front end of a Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar transceiver. It introduces an electronic switching mechanism using asymmetric signal paths for transmission and reception, featuring an RF switch whose configuration differs in the number of switching stages between send and receive modes. This architecture significantly improves the isolation between the transmitter and receiver, ensuring high performance and stability during operation.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Automotive radar systems for collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and parking assistance
• Industrial automation sensors and wireless positioning systems
• Telecommunications equipment requiring robust, compact radar front-ends
• Wireless sensor networks and IoT devices utilizing radar technology
• Security and surveillance systems with radar-based imaging

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enhanced isolation between transmitter and receiver, reducing interference and crosstalk
• Improved reliability and signal integrity in dual-mode FMCW radar operation
• Enables compact, integrated, single-antenna radar systems for space- and cost-efficiency
• Better signal quality with minimal performance degradation during mode switching
• Suitable for implementation using standard semiconductor processes (e.g., CMOS), supporting low-cost mass production

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for a front end of an FMCW radar transceiver, comprising a signal terminal (5) configured to couple, for signal exchange, to a signal filter device (2), an additional signal terminal (6) configured to couple, for signal exchange, to a VCO device (3), and an electronic circuit (4) that can be switched between a reception circuit configuration and a transmission circuit configuration with the aid of a switching device (12, 13) comprised by said electronic circuit, wherein the switching device (12, 13) comprises an RF switch (13), in which a signal path formed in the RF switch (13) both in the reception circuit configuration and in the transmission circuit configuration is asymmetrically designed, wherein the signal path in the reception circuit configuration and the signal path in the transmission circuit configuration have a different number of switching stages. The invention further relates to an FMCW radar transceiver and a method for operating a front end.