Microchip shrinks radar camera technology by 100
times
Alice MacGregor Tue 23 Feb 2016 10.43am
TOTAL SHARES 4
Scientists have designed a tiny chip which is able to outperform existing radar technology, producing
higher­quality images than a standard 200kg camera.
The team, based at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) School of Electrical and
Electronic Engineering, has developed the microchip over the last three years. The design enables
the device to capture radar images whatever the light or weather conditions.
Typical radar cameras, otherwise known as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems, are used in
large satellite applications and aircraft to produce detailed images of the earth’s surface, which aid in
monitoring traffic, urban density and natural disasters, among many other purposes. They generally
weigh up to 200kg and measure between half and two metres in length. These devices also cost in
the region of US$1mn (approx. £708,000), and can consume more than 1,000 watts in electricity
every hour.
Now, six engineers have discovered a new technology which is able to shrink the capability of
traditional cameras into a chip a hundred times smaller, 20 times cheaper to produce and 75% more
efficient than current ones.
Unlike optical cameras which cannot function at night or in cloudy weather due to insufficient light, the
new chip also uses microwaves (X­band or Ku­band) to capture radar images, so it is able to operate
effectively in all weather and light conditions, and even through foliage.
Its developers have suggested that the palm­sized chip could be integrated in a variety of future
applications including driverless car technology, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and small
satellites.
“We have significantly shrunk the conventional radar camera into a system that is extremely compact
and affordable, yet provides better accuracy. This will enable high resolution imaging radar
technology to be used in objects and applications never before possible,” noted assistant professor
Zheng Yuanjin, who led the research.
Several key industry names have already shown interest in the technology such as the U.S.­based
Space X and Japanese electronics company Panasonic.
The scientists have received S$2.5mn (approx. £1.3mn) in research funding from the Singaporean
government, and their chip is now being developed to work inside national satellites within the next
six years.
The Stack is seeking freelance correspondents to cover Asian technology news
We're looking to increase our coverage of the tech sector in APAC. If you're interested in contributing
paid freelance pieces, please see this page for further details.