This paper presents details and results of a low-cost ultra-wideband Rx/Tx front end design at 24GHz, for short range pulse radar applications. Whilst the entire design is based on low-cost package device technologies, the performances achieved compare well with those achieved so far with the more expensive bare-die or MMIC technologies. A NF between 4 and 5dB has been measured for the Rx down-converter within a bandwidth exceeding 4GHz, around 24GHz, while maintaining a good linearity over a significant dynamic range. Pulses of around 400ps duration are generated in the Tx stage and recovered at the output of the homodyne down converter, allowing target range resolutions of less than 10cm. Very good temperature performance has been achieved. The whole front-end design has been initially fabricated and tested on duroid, and recently has been transferred to LTCC. Accurate models and modeling methods and some innovative design techniques have been developed and employed throughout in order to achieve this level of performances with low-cost technologies.
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