Precision ranging by phase processing of scalar homodyne FMCW raw data

Abstract

A new way of processing FMCW raw data is described, leading to a ranging uncertainty of ±0.2 mm in 500 MHz measurement bandwidth. The system is based on a low-cost scalar homodyne FMCW set-up and a FFT for signal processing. The reflection phase of each target is exploited for precision ranging. Our novel approach utilizes the reflection phase, but in contrast to a Hilbert Transform it is principally error-free. As compared to CW phase measurements our method is qualified for multiple target environments and has a higher signal-to-noise ratio.