Scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have developed a chip that allows new radar cameras to fit into the palm of your hand.

Assistant Professor Zheng Yuanjin from NTU’s School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

The researchers shrunk the conventional radar camera into a compact system. The smaller imaging radar technology supports new applications like small drones, driverless cars, and small satellite systems.

Current radar camera systems are usually between half and two meters in length, and weigh up to 200 kg. Known as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), these large radar cameras are often carried by large satellites and aircraft that produce detailed images of the Earth’s surface.

NTU’s new radar chip (2 x 3 mm), when packaged into a module, measures only 3 x 4 x 5 cm, weighing less than 100 grams.

Many of today's large radar systems consume over 1000 watts in electricity per hour. The power consumption of the NTU chip ranges from 1 to 200 watts depending on its application.

Source 

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