Fmcw radar system with chirp jitter reduction

Abstract

In described examples, a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar includes a reference clock, a phase locked loop (PLL), a pulse generator, a counter, a chirp ramp control circuit, and a synchronization state machine. The reference clock generates a reference clock signal. The PLL generates a feedback clock signal in response to the reference clock signal, and an output signal in response to the feedback clock signal. The pulse generator outputs a chirp start pulse in response to the reference clock signal. The counter increments a count in response to the feedback clock signal. The synchronization state machine provides a chirp ramp signal to a chirp ramp control circuit in response to the reference clock signal, the feedback clock signal, the chirp start pulse, and the count. The chirp ramp control circuit causes the PLL to ramp a frequency of the output signal in response to the chirp ramp signal.