In bustling environments, it's often hard to see the forest for the trees: this is also true for radar imagery. When it comes to detecting human workers in a machine hall to protect them from hazards, linear radar quickly reaches its limits due to numerous reflections and the abundance of metal.

Harmonic Radar Detects Active Tags

In contrast, a harmonic radar works differently: when radar waves hit a tag that a worker might carry in their pocket, the frequency of the waves is doubled and reflected back to the reading module. This module specifically evaluates only the doubled frequency, making only the active tag visible while filtering out all other reflections. Such harmonic radar could be interesting in high-security areas or in road traffic to detect cyclists amidst the traffic chaos. Visitors to the Fraunhofer FHR booth can view this and other developments under a microscope. A D-band radar chip, which operates at a frequency of 150 gigahertz among others, will also be on display. This chip offers a very high bandwidth, allowing for high-resolution radar measurements.

Complete Radar Technology from a Single Source

Fraunhofer FHR provides radar technologies from chip development to finished radar systems. In chip development, integrated circuits in silicon-germanium technology are primarily on the agenda, manufactured in cooperation with Infineon or IHP and Globalfoundries. The frequency ranges extend from 13 gigahertz to 330 gigahertz. "These integrated circuits allow for different functions to be combined on the chip - often, digital cells are included that can already take over part of the signal processing," says Dr. Jan Wessel, head of Integrated Circuits at Fraunhofer FHR. "Chips with adjustable frequencies are also possible." Such integrated chips are advantageous in autonomous driving.

All steps related to bonding the chip to the circuit board, the board assembly, and connection technology are also carried out at Fraunhofer FHR. Even the housing can be manufactured in Fraunhofer FHR's own 3D printing facility. "Together with signal processing, this results in a finished module that can be used in the industry as a sensor module," Wessel summarizes. Signal processing, the required chip peripherals, and antenna development and manufacturing are also part of Fraunhofer FHR's portfolio.

Lectures and Posters from Fraunhofer FHR

This breadth of Fraunhofer FHR's work is also reflected in the posters and lectures presented at the fair: Fraunhofer FHR researchers will be represented with two posters and 13 presentations. The conference program can be found at EUMW 2024 Program.

European Microwave Week 2024

The European Microwave Week 2024 will take place in the French capital, Paris. EUMW 2024 brings together industry and science and features innovative conferences, forums, and an exciting technical and technology exhibition with leading players from around the world. EuMW 2024 provides access to the latest products, research, and initiatives in the microwave sector. It also offers the opportunity to personally connect with those driving the future of microwave technology.