Ultra Sensitive and Wideband CMOS Radar Techniques for Moon to Mars Exploration

This presentation discusses recent developments in CMOS-based wideband radars with a specific focus on techniques to achieve the high dynamic range (>100dB) needed for Mars and Lunar surface science missions. Several examples will be discussed including the wideband GPR developed for the Mars Science Helicopter, which seeks to find sub-surface ice beneath the surface of Mars and its counterpart the Direct Sampling GPR supporting lunar exploration from small commercial rover platforms. Key tradeoffs between FMCW, pulse compressed, impulse and code radar will be discussed, as well as the many calibration techniques needed to achieve the high dynamic range which enables the science these missions perform.