A lineup of integrated circuits serves automotive applications at 77 GHz.
Medium- and long-range automotive radar systems rely on 77-GHz GaAs monolithic-microwave-integrated-circuit (MIC) transceiver components such as frequency mixers and amplifiers. For its part, TriQuint has developed an extensive portfolio of 77-GHz MICs for automotive front-end applications, including adaptive-cruise-control and forward-collision-warning systems. The MMIc have been successfully implemented in multimode electronically scanning radar (ESR) on multiple vehicle platforms.
The firm supports 77-GHz designs with components for both receivers and transmitters. For example, for receivers, the model TGA4705-FC flip-chip low-noise amplifier (LNA) has a frequency range of 72 to 80 GHz, with 23-dB gain across that range and a noise figure of 5 dB at 77 GHz. Based on GaAs pseudomophic-high-electron-mobility-transistor (pHEMT) device technology, the LNA chip measures 2.24 x 1.27 x 0.38 mm and draws a mere 60 mA current from a +2.5-VDC supply. For transmitters, model TGA4706-FC is a medium power amplifier also based on GaAs pHEMT technology. It operates from 76 to 83 GHz with 15-dB typical gain and saturated output power of +14 dBm at 77 GHz. It runs on typical quiescent current of 125 mA at +3.5 VDC. The medium-power amplifier chip, which can be used for either E-band communications or automotive radar, measures just 1.86 x 1.37 x 0.38 mm.
For downconverting signals at 77 GHz to a lower-frequency range for signal processing, the company also offers the model TGC4792-FC flip-chip in-phase/quadrature (IQ) mixer. It has an RF and local-oscillator (LO) frequency range of 75 to 82 GHz and an intermediate-frequency (IF) range of DC to 100 MHz to simplify processing or digitizing of downconverted signals. The flip-chip mixer measures only 2.46 x 1.89 x 0.38 mm and runs on a +1.1-VDC supply.