An impulse radio (IR) radar SoC for through‐the‐wall human‐detection applications

Abstract

More than 42 000 fires occur nationwide and cause over 2500 casualties every year. There is a lack of specialized equipment, and rescue operations are conducted with a minimal number of apparatuses. Through‐the‐wall radars (TTWRs) can improve the rescue efficiency, particularly under limited visibility due to smoke, walls, and collapsed debris. To overcome detection challenges and maintain a small‐form factor, a TTWR system‐on‐chip (SoC) and its architecture have been proposed. Additive reception based on coherent clocks and reconfigurability can fulfill the TTWR demands. A clock‐based single‐chip infrared radar transceiver with embedded control logic is implemented using a 130‐nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor. Clock signals drive the radar operation. Signal‐to‐noise ratio enhancements are achieved using the repetitive coherent clock schemes. The hand‐held prototype radar that uses the TTWR SoC operates in real time, allowing seamless data capture, processing, and display of the target information. The prototype is tested under various pseudo‐disaster conditions. The test standards and methods, developed along with the system, are also presented.

Keywords

• cmos radar
• ir radar
• radar transceiver
• through‐the‐wall radar
• uwb radar