Project: Development of a low cost, low power, high performance traffic radar based on a superior microwave lens planar antenna

An important component of a radar system consists of the microwave planar transceiver, whic includes the microwave source, the microwave circuitry and the antenna (see Appendix 1 - Figure 1). In the 24GHz ISM spectrum band (which is dedicated to Industrial, Scientific and Medical applications), most industrial radar manufacturers buy these transceivers off the shelf from several providers in Europe and elsewhere, as the design and fabrication of this type of circuit requires highly specialized skills as well as expensive simulation software and test equipment. However, only a limited number (~4) of transceiver suppliers exist, and hence, only a limited number of transceiver types are available on the market. As the microwave transceiver module largely dictates the radar detection capabilities (for instance, in terms of detection range and detection area) this situation also limits the variety of 24GHz radars that can be put on the market._x000D__x000D_In order to broaden the detection capabilities of industrial radar systems as well as reduce their fabrication cost this project aims at developing new types of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) microwave transceivers by using an existing technology and designing specific microwave lenses. The lenses will be both electrically and mechanically coupled to the microwave transceiver and will be designed to tailor the transceiver antenna radiation properties to the desired specifications. The project will therefore COly focus on providing the required modifications to the existing OEM transceiver, designing, fabricating and testing the lenses as well as preparing their industrialization process._x000D__x000D_In order to reach these goals, Icoms will P with the Antenna Group of the Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Belgium, as well as an experienced OEM microwave transceiver module designer and manufacturer.

Acronym	SUPLAN (Reference Number: 8196)
Duration	01/10/2013 - 29/02/2016
Project Topic	Development of novel microwave lens devoted to the gain enhancement of single feed antennas. Mechanical and electrical integration of these lenses onto OEM microwave transceivers. Application: development of high performance traffic monitoring radars with reduced cost.
Network	Eurostars
Call	Eurostars Cut-Off 10

Project partner

Number	Name	Role	Country
3	Icoms Detections S.A.	Coordinator	Belgium
3	RFbeam Microwave GmbH	Partner	Switzerland
3	Université catholique de Louvain	Partner	Belgium