Multi Disciplinary Support for a Cambridge Start-Up

Camera systems are in widespread use as sensors that provide information about the surrounding environment. But this can struggle with image interpretation in complex scenarios. In contrast, mmWave radar technology offers a more straightforward view of the geometry and motion of objects, making it valuable for applications like autonomous vehicles, where radar aids in mapping surroundings and detecting obstacles. Radar’s ability to provide direct 3D location data and motion detection through Doppler effects is advantageous, though traditionally expensive and bulky. Advances in SiGe device integration are producing more compact and cost-effective radar solutions. Plextek aims to develop mm-wave radar prototypes that balance cost, size, weight, power, and real-time data processing for diverse applications, including autonomous vehicles, human-computer interfaces, transport systems, and building security.

This paper presents a range of novel low-cost millimeter-wave radio-frequency sensors that have been developed using the latest advances in commercially available electronic chip-sets. The recent emergence of low-cost, single chip silicon germanium transceiver modules combined with license exempt usage bands is creating a new area in which sensors can be developed. Three example systems using this technology are discussed, including: gas spectroscopy at stand off distances, non-invasive dielectric material characterization and high performance micro radar.

This paper describes the design and characterization of a frequency-scanning meanderline antenna for operation at 60 GHz. The design incorporates SIW techniques and slot radiating elements. The amplitude profile across the antenna aperture has been weighted to reduce sidelobe levels, which makes the design attractive for radar applications. Measured performance agrees with simulations, and the achieved beam profile and sidelobe levels are better than previously documented frequency-scanning designs at V and W bands.

The design of a 16-element waveguide array employing radiating T-junctions that operates in the Ku band is described. Amplitude weighting results in low elevation sidelobe levels, while impedance matching provides a satisfactory VSWR, that are both achieved over a wide bandwidth (15.7-17.2 GHz). Simulation and measurement results, that agree very well, are presented. The design forms part of a 16 x 40 element waveguide array that achieves high gain and narrow beamwidths for use in an electronic-scanning radar system.

This paper presents a sensor for measuring auditory brainstem responses to help diagnose hearing problems away from specialist clinical settings using non-invasive electrodes and commercially available headphones. The challenge of reliably measuring low level electronic signals in the presence of significant noise is addressed via a precision analog processing circuit which includes a novel impedance measurement approach to verify good electrode contact. Results are presented showing that the new sensor was able to reliably sense auditory brainstem responses using noninvasive electrodes, even at lower stimuli levels.

Power limits restrict CPU speeds, but GPUs offer a solution for faster computing. Initially designed for graphics, GPUs now handle general computing, thanks to advancements by NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel. With hundreds of cores, GPUs significantly outperform CPUs in parallel processing tasks. Modern supercomputers, like Titan, utilize thousands of GPU cores for immense speed. NVIDIA’s CUDA platform simplifies GPU programming, making it accessible for parallel tasks. While GPUs excel in parallelizable problems, they can be limited by data transfer rates and algorithm design. NVIDIA’s Tesla GPUs provide high performance in both single and double precision calculations. Additionally, embedded GPUs like the NVIDIA Jetson TX2 deliver powerful, low-power computing for specialized applications. Overall, GPUs offer superior speed and efficiency for parallel tasks compared to CPUs.