Low-Power Leaky-Wave Radar With Single-Chain Doa Detection At 50–60 Ghz

Brief Description

A compact, low-power frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar system enabling high-resolution direction-of-arrival (DoA) detection using a single leaky-wave antenna and transceiver chain

Full Description

This technology introduces a novel radar transceiver operating in the 50–60 GHz frequency band that combines mono-static and bi-static operation for DoA detection. Unlike traditional multi-antenna multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) FMCW radars, it uses a single leaky-wave antenna and a shared transmitter/receiver path, significantly reducing system complexity, size, power consumption, and cost. This efficient design suits embedded, battery-operated applications in automotive, healthcare, wearable devices, industrial, and robotics fields.

Suggested uses

• Wearable sensing and gesture recognition in next-generation smartwatches and fitness devices. 
• Automotive radar systems such as parking assistance, blind-spot detection, and autonomous driving. 
• Mobile robotics platforms needing real-time obstacle detection and angular awareness. 
• Healthcare monitoring including non-contact respiratory and motion sensing. 
• Industrial inspection, conveyor monitoring, defect detection, and process automation. 
• Smart internet of things (IoT) sensors for compact and energy-efficient radar sensing.

Advantages

• Significantly reduced hardware complexity with a single antenna and transceiver chain. 
• Low power consumption of 262 mW compared to traditional multi-chain radar systems. 
• Compact footprint suitable for embedded and portable devices. 
• High angular (12°) and range (1.4 cm) resolution achieved via frequency-scanned leaky-wave antenna. 
• Eliminates need for inter-chain synchronization, calibration, and complex beamforming. 
• Full-duplex operation enabled by a custom high-isolation circulator. 
• Faster system integration and lower manufacturing costs.

Patent Status

Patent Pending