A 1–30 GHz 3-bit vector modulator based on ultra-wideband IQ-generation for MIMO-radar-systems in SiGe BiCMOS

Abstract

MIMO phased array radar systems benefit from beamforming in order to increase system dynamic and detection range. Therefore, an ultra-wideband IQ signal generation concept for driving a vector adder, which produces the desired phase shift in each channel of a MIMO phased array radar system, has been developed. The classic concept to generate wideband quadrature signals that uses a frequency doubler and a static frequency divider brings a 0°/180° phase uncertainty at the dividers outputs which makes this concept useless when using multiple TX-channels at once like in beamforming MIMO phased array radars. Therefore, the classical concept has been enhanced with two possible solutions which are presented in this work. The novel concepts are able to operate from 1–30 GHz.