Small, powerful and essential: ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), i.e. integrated circuits developed to meet specific requirements, are the basis for the success of a radar sensor. Karlsruhe-based start-up milli IC specialises in developing such high-frequency ASICs - and VEGA Grieshaber KG is on board.
With managing directors Esref Turkmen and Alexander Haag and KIT professor and advisor Ahmet Cagri Ulusoy, three top experts in the field of millimetre wave and radio frequency technology have joined forces. VEGA is the fourth partner involved and, as a successful manufacturer of level and pressure measurement technology, not only contributes a great deal of expertise in this field, but also specific areas of application for the microchips.
Helping to shape technological progress
VEGA already has a specially designed chip in use for radar sensors operating at frequencies up to 80 GHz. The aim now is to operate at even higher frequencies. “The chip is the heart of a radar instrument,” says Thomas Deck, Head of Research and Development at VEGA, emphasising the importance of ASICs. To be involved in the development of these right from the start is exciting and a great opportunity to further improve radar sensors and help shape technological progress. Radar frequencies above 100 GHz allow a narrower beam angle, improved focusing, better performance and smaller mechanical components. This makes it possible to build more compact sensors that take up even less space than before and reduce production costs.
A lot of work goes into development
The experts at milli IC are now getting down to work. However, a little patience is needed before the first market-ready chips can be expected. "It will certainly take about two and a half years," says Thomas Deck from experience. After all, the efficiency and performance of VEGA radar sensors are to be improved in the long term, and the tiny chips have to meet very strict requirements.
More integration as a future goal
“More integration of circuit technology into ASICs – that’s the big long-term goal for sensors in process instrumentation,” explains Thomas Deck. milli IC can make a decisive contribution to this effort. “Everyone involved is looking forward to this new chapter.”
milli IC GmbH is based in Karlsruhe, Germany. The company is a spin-off of the Institute for High Frequency Technology and Electronics (IHE) at KIT Karlsruhe. The company specialises in the design of RF and millimetre-wave ICs for sensors and communication systems, with a particular focus on silicon-germanium-based technologies.
