Chipset for K-Band Stepped FMCW MIMO RadarArray System for Breast Cancer Detection

Abstract

This paper presents a K-Band stepped FMCW radar chipset, operating in the frequency range of 17 GHz to 27 GHz, intended for realization of a large MIMO imaging array for the breast cancer detection application. Firstly, we discuss in detail the system considerations on how to overcome the extremely high losses of around 200 dB in the tissue. Secondly, we present a chipset comprising a transceiver and a signal generation chip realized in 130 nm BiCMOS technology. System partitioning is required to synchronize the system with one oscillator. The transceiver achieves a maximum output power of 5 dBm and a conversion gain of 25 dB at low power consumption of 30 mA from a single 1.5 V supply. It offers a high level of integration, while consuming only a small area of 2.58 mm2. The signal generation chip offers a phase noise of -98 dBc/Hz and occupies only 1.08 mm2.