Modular Wideband High Angular Resolution 79 GHz Radar System

Abstract

This paper demonstrates a modular 79 GHz radar system based on the Texas Instruments AWR1243 radar chip. The modules are synchronized with a radio-over-fiber link to allow the combination of many modules and thus large apertures. A large aperture results in a high angular resolution, which is the key requirement for object classification at long ranges. We describe the coherent synchronization, the chosen antenna pattern, a genetic algorithm to optimize antenna weights and the overall system design. Finally, we demonstrate the capabilities of the system with measurements of a test set up.