A 205 GHz Serial Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (DS/SS) Radar System-on-Chip in 28nm CMOS

We present a 205 GHz serial direct-sequence spread spectrum (DS/SS) radar that employs time-domain digital correlation instead of frequency chirps or pulses to estimate a radar signal’s time of flight. DS/SS radars offer much simpler range demodulation compared with FMCW or pulse compression radars, while still delivering excellent ranging performance. The demonstrated system offers 4.5 GHz of spread spectrum bandwidth leading to a range resolution of 3.3 cm. The radar is implemented in 28nm CMOS technology and consumes 614 mW.