Infineon Technologies single-chip radar solutions for industrial and commercial sensing

Infineon Technologies has introduced its first single-chip radar solutions for applications in industrial and commercial sensing. Based on a SiGe process technology and operating in the 24 GHz ISM band (24.0 to 24.25 GHz), the product range claims to feature the highest integration radar system-on-chip transceivers in the market and a companion receive-only chip, which collectively provide system designers with the flexibility to achieve cost and performance targets in a diverse range of applications.

The three devices in the range are the BGT24MTR11 (single transmit and single receive channel), BGT24MTR12 (single transmit and two receive channels) and BGTMR2 (twin receiver). Moving from one single receiver to two or more receive channels allows implementation of systems that detect objects more precisely and at wider angles.

The range of potential motion sensing applications for the devices includes level monitoring in storage tanks (solids and liquids), lighting control, security systems, intelligent door openers and collision avoidance on industrial vehicles.

The single-chip solution in an industry-standard, QFN-style package reduces the required board area by up to 30% compared to discrete solutions in the market. The BGTMTRxx family simplifies designs and improves time to market by superseding external component matching and space-consuming RF transmission lines. The resulting compact design, system flexibility and cost-effectiveness of the solution make the BGT24MTRxx range useful for improving performance in existing applications and replacing alternative technologies.

For energy-efficient lighting, 24 GHz radar systems are suitable for adjusting the intensity level of street, industrial and office lighting by detecting moving objects or people in the designated area. The high resolution of the range can make tank and silo level metering systems more accurate, as the system is not tricked by splashing liquid or dust. Door-opening systems can also easily distinguish between someone approaching the door or a passerby. Another application is intruder alarms, where 24 GHz radar can achieve room coverage area up to 270 m² compared to 10 m² for commonly used infrared systems.

The 3.3 V BGT24MTR11 has a detection range up to 160 m at 500 mW power consumption and is accurate within millimetre range for near-field sensing applications. With a standard VQFN package, no specialised equipment or processes are needed for production assembly and test of radar systems based on the range.