Radar and Communications Technologies: Applications and Challenges

This lecture provides an overview of radar and communication technologies, focusing on their applications in sensing and robotics. The instructor begins by discussing the principles of radar, including range estimation using Ultra Wide Band (UWB) and Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) techniques. The lecture explains how these technologies can measure distance and direction using antenna arrays. The instructor highlights the challenges associated with UWB, such as power consumption and resolution limitations, and contrasts this with the advantages of FMCW, which allows for lower sampling rates and cheaper hardware. The discussion then shifts to the growing demand for wireless communications, particularly in the context of the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G technology. The instructor outlines the evolution of cellular networks and the significance of millimeter wave technology in achieving high data rates. The lecture concludes with potential project ideas that leverage these technologies, emphasizing the importance of innovation in addressing contemporary challenges in sensing and communication.