Sensors push the limits of electronics: High-frequency circuitry will bring radar to cars, medicine and rescue services

摘要

LARS REGER, Automotive CTO at NXP Semiconductors, sees sensors and computing driving a transformation in car design, turning the vehicles into "robots with wheels". One of the most important sensor technologies for this new generation of transport, in Reger's view, is radar. Along with competitors like Infineon Technologies, NXP is taking advantage of improvements in silicon integration to make use of frequencies that not so long ago were practically out of reach of electronics designers. Reger calls the 77GHz to 81GHz range "the radar frequency of choice", not least for the effect it has on the circuit design. "The higher the frequencies the smaller your antennas," he says.