ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), i.e. integrated circuits developed for specific requirements, are the basis for the success of a radar sensor. The Karlsruhe-based start-up Milli IC specializes in the development of high-frequency ASICs. Vega Grieshaber is now investing in the young company. Together with the two managing directors Esref Turkmen and Alexander Haag as well as KIT professor Ahmet Cagri Ulusoy in an advisory capacity, three absolute experts in the field of millimeter wave and high-frequency technology have come together.

All three are experienced circuit engineers and know each other from their scientific work at the Institute of High Frequency Technology and Electronics (IHE) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). The fourth partner is Vega, a manufacturer of measurement technology for filling level and pressure, which not only has a great deal of expertise in this field, but also specific areas of application for the microchips.

Vega targets higher radar frequencies for more compact sensors

As a manufacturer of radar measuring devices up to 80 gigahertz, Vega already has a specially developed chip in use. Now higher frequencies are to follow. “The chip is the heart of a radar instrument,” says Thomas Deck, Head of Research and Development at Vega, emphasising the importance of ASICs. Being able to help develop these right from the start is exciting and a great opportunity to further improve radar sensors and help shape technological progress. Higher radar frequencies of over 100 gigahertz enable a narrower beam angle, combined with better focusing, higher performance and smaller mechanical components. This leads to more compact sensors that require even less space than before and reduce production costs.

Chip start-up Milli IC starts work

The experts at Milli IC are now starting work. However, a little patience is still required before the first market-ready chips come onto the market. “It will certainly take about two and a half years,” says Thomas Deck from experience. After all, the tiny chips have to meet very strict requirements and are intended to improve the efficiency and performance of Vega radar sensors for the long term. “More integration of circuit technology into ASICs, that’s the big long-term goal for sensors in process instrumentation,” explains Thomas Deck. Milli IC can make a decisive contribution to this effort. “Everyone involved is looking forward to this new chapter.”