Infineon Technologies has developed a 60 GHz radar chip (BGT60TR13C), which enables a new form of interaction between users and their devices. Using an integrated antenna system, it senses the presence and movement of people and objects with high precision or measures distances and speeds. This chip is the base for Google’s Soli technology and has now been integrated for the first time into a smartphone (Google Pixel 4) so that it can also be controlled by gestures.
Whether for artificial intelligence, augmented reality or the Internet of Things – billions of people worldwide will be using smart devices in some way or form to sense their environment. With this radar technology from Infineon, devices will become 'context-aware. This means that they can finally understand their environment and react much more purposefully. The precise motion detection by the 60 GHz radar chip turns the Google Pixel 4 smartphone into a gesture control system. This is a revolution in the human-machine-interaction. The Infineon team is working on the fusion of multiple sensors to simplify interaction and increase the usefulness of the devices.
Infineon’s radar technology has its roots in the automotive sector. Radar sensors have been effectively measuring distances, speeds, and movements while driving for decades. Infineon has further developed these functions for small devices. The 60 GHz chip (BGT60TR13C) is a complete radar system with antennas on a very small area (5 x 6.5 mm) coupled with low power consumption. It can perceive movements in rooms or measure distances from objects in the millimeter range with utmost precision. With the appropriate software, the motion data is converted into functions, so that control via gestures is possible without touching the device.
Devices and buildings sense their environment as if with human senses
Infineon develops sensors and chips which, like the human senses, recognize the environment and process the data obtained. The aim is to enable effortless interaction and at the same time use smart functions that make life easier, safer and greener. The fusion of multiple sensors in a single device creates new solutions that measure and improve air quality or intelligently control burglary protection, for example. In addition to voice-controlled assistants, 'intelligent' household appliances or wearables, buildings, so-called smart buildings, in particular, are becoming more interactive. Sensors detect the number of people in the rooms or can adjust the need for light sources to improve safety and energy efficiency.
Infineon’s innovative XENSIV 60 GHz radar chip enables things to see and revolutionizes the Human Machine Interface
Infineon has been working with Google to revolutionize the Human Machine Interface of tomorrow. Google´s SoliTM project uses radar to enable new types of intuitive interactions. This innovative radar technology coupled with sophisticated software makes your presence and movements natural interfaces to your devices by enabling a new era of touchless human-machine-interactions. This 60 GHz radar sensor was first presented during the Google Developer Conference (Google I/O) in 2016.
The Google SoliTM project builds on Infineon’s radar know-how to enable new types of touchless human-machine interactions – one where the human hand becomes a natural, intuitive interface for new devices and services. This XENSIV 60 GHz radar sensor can track sub-millimeter motion at high speed and accuracy. It fits onto a chip that can be produced at scale and can be used across a wide range of mobile, wearable, and stationary devices.
Infineon brings its latest technology in the smallest form factor ever to the table
With their small form factor and low power consumption, Infineon’s highly integrated radar sensor solutions bring innovative, intuitive sensing capabilities to many applications. Radar has been demonstrated to be a powerful sensor for short-range localization and vital sign tracking in consumer electronics, healthcare, surveillance, driver assistance, and industrial applications.
Radar supports existing applications while providing features that enable completely new use cases. It measures velocity, range and angle, both horizontal and vertical, for precise position mapping and 3D tracking.
