Model-Based Design and Simulation of FMCW Radar

Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar is a type of radar system that continuously transmits a signal that varies in frequency over time. This modulation allows the radar to measure the distance to an object by analyzing the frequency shift of the returned signal. In this paper, MATLAB ®, Simulink ®, and RF Blockset™ are used to build a model for an FMCW Radar with the integration of a transmitter antenna, receiver antenna, and the transmit-receive chain. The model can be tested on different antennas, PLLs, mixers, and filters. Its design can be optimized to achieve the desired results. Integrating the antenna and other RF components allows simulations to be run by varying the frequency modulation interval, number of pulses transmitted, and VCO Phase Noise, which determine radar performance. The antennas and RF Components are available as catalog elements in Antenna Toolbox™ and RF PCB Toolbox™, respectively.