Silicon transceiver offers exceptional sensing resolution and system performance

indie Semiconductor has released the world's first commercial fully integrated 240GHz RFE silicon transceiver. This device builds upon the success of the company's previously released 120GHz solution, expanding its portfolio of short-range, high-precision and high-resolution terahertz frequency radar solutions.

As a complement to the well-deployed use of 76GHz to 81GHz radar for long-range automotive sensing, recent safety initiatives such as Euro NCAP are driving the usage of 120GHz terahertz frequency radar for in-cabin driver and occupant monitoring due to its higher resolution. The higher frequency-enabled superior precision of 240GHz radar is being employed for new and rapidly emerging vehicle dynamics and monitoring applications, including assessment and control of air spring-based suspension settings, real-time road surface quality and hazard assessment to dynamically adapt ride quality, and even fine grade monitoring of gas tank levels.

As well as the growing automotive market opportunity, the resolution and bandwidth benefits of 240GHz radar are also applicable to industrial sensing applications, including material thickness measurement and analysis, end-of-line product quality, tank level monitoring (now accelerated through recent EU regulation), surface inspection and security scanners. indie's 240GHz solution can readily address these industrial terahertz frequency applications, which Mordor Intelligence estimates will be a $1.8 billion electronics opportunity by 2028.

"The launch of our 240GHz transceiver solution marks a significant leap forward in radar technology," said Dr Peter Gulden, SVP of indie Semiconductor's Radar Systems and Software. "We are proud to offer a solution that not only enhances safety within vehicle cabins but also revolutionizes industrial monitoring applications. Our latest high-frequency radar is a game-changer in resolution, integration and system cost."

The TRA240091 is a cascadable radar front-end with an operating bandwidth of up to 45GHz at 240GHz. These unique features allow exceptionally high resolution, ideal for license-free 244-246GHz ISM band applications and beyond.