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Understanding Radar MMIC and its features from popular Vendors

radar mmic infineon vendors

Radar MMIC is an IC specifically designed for radar systems. This MMIC operates at higher frequencies usually in millimeter and microwave range from few GHz to 100 GHz or more. This MMIC integrates multiple radar signal processing functions on a single chip.

Components & their functions

Radar MMIC houses several components including one or more of the following.

  • LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) : It is used to provide amplification to weak signal without amplifying noise part.
  • PA (Power Amplifier) : It is used to provide boost to the signal before transmission into air.
  • RF Mixers : It is used for signal conversion from lower frequency to higher and vice versa.
  • Phase Shifters : Used in beamforming and phased array radars
  • Switches : Used to provide transmit/receive path control
  • Oscillators & Frequency Multipliers : Used for generation of radar signals.

Applications

  • Automotive radar (24 GHz, 60 GHz, 77 GHz)
  • Weather and aviation radar
  • Satellite based synthetic aperture radar (SAR)
  • Industrial sensing (e.g., drone detection, perimeter security)
  • Military and defense radar (X-band, Ku-band, Ka-band)

Radar MMIC Vendors and Manufacturers

VendorRadar MMIC with key features
Infineon Technologies, AGPart no : CTRX8191F , Features : 28nm , built-in digital PLL, higher performance, better SNR, Check out website for more information.
Analog Devices24 GHz Tx MMIC (Part no : ADF5901), 24 GHz Rx MMIC (Part no : ADF5904) and 13 GHz PLL (ADF4159), Evaluation board is available to test these MMICs
MACOMThe company offers variety of radar specific MMICs in different frequency bands such as C-band, X-Band etc. The GaN-on-SiC based MMICs offer higher power output, efficiency and gain.
NXP SemiconductorsPart no : SAF86XX is Radar SoC which operates in the range 76 to 81 GHz.
Sameer (R&D), INDIAIndigenous radar MMIC design and prototyping
Astra Microwave Products Ltd. INDIARadar modules and RF front end including MMICs

Conclusion

Radar MMICs play a critical role in the performance and miniaturization of modern radar systems, enabling high-frequency operation, improved sensitivity and efficient signal processing in a compact form factor. With ongoing innovations in GaN and SiGe materials, the future of radar MMICs promises even greater performance, support for wider bandwidths and more.