Scientists of National Research Nuclear University MEPhI have developed the first microelectronic transceiver in Russia. According to them, the use of the new compact and simple element will accelerate the introduction of the fully autonomous safe transport.

Computer vision systems that use radio and optical signal systems allow self-driving vehicles and other autonomous systems to detect their surroundings almost as well as humans. The key transceiver element is the so-called radio path — a transceiver or a sensor that allows transmitting, picking up, and amplifying of signals. A system of several transceivers creates the so-called "vision" of unmanned systems. MEPhI scientists developed the first domestic model of a modern transceiver. According to them, the new element combines several components on one crystal at once, which will greatly simplify and reduce the cost of new vision systems. The use of the new element triggers the practical implementation of unmanned vehicles

“The developed transceiver is intended for radar systems of technical vision in the range of 24-25 GHz with the frequency modulation. The device consists of a radio path, emitter, and receiver. Our scheme will reduce the size of the radar, which will increase the number of sensors, and, accordingly, will improve the quality of technical vision, and will create a new generation driver assistance systems with a 360-degree view”, explained the Head of the Development department of MEPhI Engineering Center Vladimir Klokov.

The main advantage of the development, according to scientists, was increasing the integration of the radar components by combining the emitter, a receiver, and a radio part on the one crystal. According to the scientists, the main characteristics of the tested model are not inferior to existing market counterparts. The transceiver is made on the own technological base of NOC "Nanotechnology" MEPhI on the GaAs 150 nm process technology.

In the future, the research team intends to create a transceiver at frequencies of 75-80 GHz, which will help to significantly increase the resolution capability of radars. It is also will encourage the development of new microelectronic components using integrated photonics technologies that allows combining the analysis of radio and optical signals in technical vision.