Application Note:

FMCW Radar Signal with Triangle Waveform

Michael Zito

11/12/11

Abstract: In our project, we will be using a Frequency Modulated

Continuous Waveform Radar. There are four different waveforms that
can be used for an FM chirp. In this note, I will explain why we we are
using a triangle wave chirp and how we build it at the component level.
 Figure 1: XR-2206 Chip with FMCW Triangle Wave Implementation

Radars are systems that are used for detecting objects. They accomplish this goal by using

electromagnetic waves to determine a variety of detection parameters. Such parameters include

altitude, speed, range and direction. The project that we choose uses range and Doppler (direction) to

detect objects. But how do you detect objects with electromagnetics? There are many different

configurations in which a radar can exist. Among the many, the few that are most common include

Monopulse Radar, Bistatic Radar, Doppler Radar and Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave Radar.

Among the stated configurations, our project uses a FMCW configuration to determine range and

direction of an object. We will produce this FMCW signal by means of an XR-2206 function generator

chip. Figure 1 represents how we produce our FMCW signal and in this document, I will be explaining

why we have this specific configuration and what exactly our input, output response will be.
 Figure 2: Circuit for Sine Wave Generation

FMCW radars are capable of slewing up and down with four different wave configurations. Sine

waves, sawtooth waves, triangle waves or square waves are all possible. However, only a triangle

modulation will give you both range and velocity. Therefore, figure 1 must output a triangle wave to the

system. Referring to the XR-2206 datasheet, they give an example circuit for sine wave generation;

Figure 2. Looking at pins 13 and 14 of figure 2, we notice for a sine wave, S1 must be closed. However,

for a Triangle wave output, S1 must remain open. This is accomplished by removing all of the external

components connecting pins 13 and 14. Additionally, pins 15 and 16 will have no external connections

since we are outputting a triangle wave.

 Figure 3: Block Diagram of XR-2206

Chirp Rate Adjust & Frequency Span:

Next, we’ll need to select R and C values for pins 5, 6 and 7. The frequency equation is given

by , Therefore selecting C = 0.47uF and adjusting R, we can adjust our potentiometer to

achieve a value to make our operating frequency roughly 25 Hz (our requirement is a 40ms period).

The frequency span is proportional to R3 (the potentiometer). According to the data sheet, each kΩ of

R3 will produce approximately 160mV of peak. So we can expect to see about an 8v peak for our

triangle wave. Additionally, we’ll need to control the output level at pin 2; the spec sheet states that at

the output, Pin 2 is approximately the same as the dc bias at pin 3. Pin 3 is biased midway between V+

and ground which would give an output dc level of roughly V+/2. If the voltage rail is not set to 12v,

then our waveforms will become clipped. So, it is important that we ensure a 12v rail.
Ramp Generator:

Now that we have all of our “adjust” and “span” pins set, we must now focus on the pins we

need to power and ground. Pin 1 is used to modulate the output amplitude. Since we are designing a

frequency modulated chirp, we can attach this pin to ground. The timing terminals (pin 7) are internally

biased with respect to pin 12. Therefore, we must set this pin to ground as well. Lastly we must supply

a voltage to the VCC pin. Our positive power supply is set at 12v with to parallel capacitors to control

our ramping.

Figure 4 shows the output at pin 2. Here we adjusted our period of our triangle wave to 10ms

instead of 40ms but as explained earlier, you simply need to adjust the potentiometer for the desired

response. However, you can see that our max peak is roughly 8 volts.

Figure 4: Triangle Waveform Output

Radars that are frequency modulated are great for detecting objects. Specifically, when trying

to confirm an objects range and velocity using a triangle waveform for your chirp will allow you to do so.
Ensuring proper voltage at each pin is key for proper waveforms to be displayed, if not; clipping will

occur. Additionally, S1 will need to be off in order to produce a triangle wave, if not; a square wave

could be produced instead.

References:

1. "Free Online Course Materials | Resource Home | MIT OpenCourseWare." Free Online Course

Materials | MIT OpenCourseWare. Web. 12 Nov. 2011. <http://ocw.mit.edu/resources/res-ll-

003-build-a-small-radar-system-capable-of-sensing-range-doppler-and-synthetic-aperture-

radar-imaging-january-iap-2011/index.htm>.

2. EXAR, XR-2206 Monolithic Function Generator Chip Data Sheet, Fremont, CA, June 1997