Phase Modulated 61 GHz Backscatter Transponder for FMCW Radar-Based Ranging

Conference: GeMiC 2014 - German Microwave Conference
03/10/2014 - 03/12/2014 at Aachen, Germany

Proceedings: GeMiC 2014

Pages: 4Language: englishTyp: PDF

Personal VDE Members are entitled to a 10% discount on this title

Authors:
Stein, Wadim; Aleksieieva, Anna; Vossiek, Martin (Institute of Microwaves and Photonics, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Cauerstr. 9, 91058 Erlangen, Germany)
Roehr, Sven (Symeo GmbH, Professor-Messerschmitt-Str. 3, 85579 Neubiberg, Germany)

Abstract:
Modulated backscatter transponders allow, low complexity, low power identification and ranging if an FMCW radar is used as a reader. Especially in industrial environments, modulation significantly increases ranging robustness by echo mitigation of passive / unmodulated reflectors. The 61 GHz ISM band is favorable for high resolution ranging due to the high available bandwidth. However, backscatter transponder design is challenging at mm-wave frequencies. In this paper, a low complexity mm-wave backscatter transponder design based on a single Schottky diode switch is introduced that allows for cost efficient manufacturing and low power consumption. A 3D full wave simulation of the proposed backscatter layout, comprising a model of the diode package, combined with its SPICE parameters in a co-simulation procedure, enables accurate circuit optimization. A complete prototype was built using planar technology that includes switch, clock generation and battery interface. Experimental results show an operating range of 20 m with a ranging uncertainty well below 25 mm at a 1 ms sweep duration of the FMCW signal. Transponder power consumption is as low as 2.5 mA with a supply voltage of 2 V.