Abstract:
The project shows how to model an automotive adaptive cruise control system using the frequency
modulated continuous wave (FMCW) technique. It performs range estimation for a single stationary
target. Automotive radar systems often adopt FMCW technology, as opposed to the pulsed radar
systems frequently used in the defence industry. FMCW radars are smaller in size, consume less power,
and are much cheaper in terms of manufacturing cost, as compared to pulsed radars. Consequently,
FMCW radars can only monitor a comparatively smaller distance.
FMCW modulation works with the basic principle that the received signal from an object is mixed with
the transmitted signal producing an intermediate frequency (IF) tone that is proportional to the delay,
hence distance (range) to the object. Multiple objects will produce multiple tones, which can be
separated and identified using a Fourier Transform. The result is an FMCW radar that consists of a
relatively simple circuit with a Transmitter, Receiver, FMCW synthesizer, Dechirp Mixer, Digitizer,
Signal processor and Range estimation and display.
