60GHz FMCW radar system with high distance and Doppler resolution and accuracy

Abstract

This paper presents an algorithm for 60GHz FMCW radar detection system providing precise distance and velocity measurements. A digital simulation environment based on the radar hardware setup is built to evaluate and demonstrate the applicability and performance of the detection system under laboratory conditions. The system first incorporates a normal FFT for general frequency estimation, based on which the Radar Cross Section of detected targets will be calculated for further processing. Then Constant False Alarm Rate (CFAR) Threshold algorithm is used for detecting radar targets in background full of noises and reflections for which all parameters in the statistical distribution are not known and may be non-stationary. Finally the Complex Spectral Phase Evolution (CSPE) method is applied as a tool to obtain super Doppler and distance accuracy, which can provide for super-resolution of frequencies by examining the evolution of the phase of the signal spectrum over time-shifted windows. The functionality of the system is demonstrated by simulation based on the 60GHz FMCW radar hardware system and will also be tested on the real hardware system. The paper illustrates, that the combination of advanced signal processing scheme with a cost-effective front-end can provide high performance microwave sensors.

Date of Award	31 Aug 2010
Original language	English
Supervisor	Peter G.M. Baltus (Supervisor 1)