Thomas Musch

Bio: Thomas Musch is an academic researcher from Ruhr University Bochum. The author has contributed to research in topics: Phase-locked loop & Radar. The author has an hindex of 17, co-authored 196 publications receiving 1485 citations. Previous affiliations of Thomas Musch include Infineon Technologies.

Antenna for a level meter employing the radar principle

Abstract: In an antenna for a level meter employing the radar principle, a fastening device is provided for detachably mounting a dielectric insert in the antenna. The fastening device may be a continuous clamping collar that clamps the dielectric insert in place in the antenna. This offers a simple, universally employable possibility for fastening a dielectric insert in the antenna.

SiGe Bipolar VCO With Ultra-Wide Tuning Range at 80 GHz Center Frequency

Abstract: A SiGe millimeter-wave VCO with a center frequency around 80 GHz and an extremely wide (continuous) tuning range of 24.5 GHz ( ap 30%) is presented. The phase noise at 1 MHz offset is -97 dBc/Hz at the center frequency (and less than -94 dBc/Hz in a frequency range of 21 GHz). The maximum total output power is about 12 dBm. A cascode buffer improves decoupling from the output load at reasonable VCO power consumption (240 mW at 5 V supply voltage). A low-power frequency divider (operating up to 100 GHz) provides, in addition, a divided-by-four signal. As a further intention of this paper, the basic reasons for the limitation of the tuning range in millimeter-wave VCOs are shown and the improvement by using two (instead of one) varactor pairs is demonstrated.

The multipole resonance probe: characterization of a prototype

Abstract: The multipole resonance probe (MRP) was recently proposed as an economical and industry compatible plasma diagnostic device (Lapke et al 2008 Appl. Phys. Lett. 93 051502). This communication reports the experimental characterization of a first MRP prototype in an inductively coupled argon/nitrogen plasma at 10?Pa. The behavior of the device follows the predictions of both an analytical model and a numerical simulation. The obtained electron densities are in excellent agreement with the results of Langmuir probe measurements.

A SiGe Fractional- ${ N}$ Frequency Synthesizer for mm-Wave Wideband FMCW Radar Transceivers

Abstract: A millimeter-wave (mm-wave) frequency synthesizer is presented focusing on an ultra-high-speed fractional- ${ N}$ frequency divider and a highly linear phase-frequency detector (PFD). All circuits are integrated into a high-frequency SiGe bipolar technology. The programmable frequency divider can be operated at input frequencies between dc and 57 GHz for division factors in the entire integer range from 12 to 259. The PFD is optimized for fractional- ${ N}$ synthesis, which requires an extremely linear characteristic due to the modulation of its input frequency. The frequency divider and the PFD are used together with an 80-GHz wideband voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and transceiver for a high precision mm-wave frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar sensor. As shown by the experimental results the realized circuits stabilize the mm-wave VCO with an extremely low phase noise below $-{\hbox{97 dBc/Hz}}$ at 10-kHz offset around its center frequency of 80 GHz and can generate a highly linear frequency ramp with a bandwidth of 24 GHz. Furthermore, the accuracy of the synthesizer is demonstrated by FMCW radar distance measurements inside a waveguide and in free space. Inside the waveguide a standard deviation of the phase of the target below 0.0018 $^{\circ }$ (which corresponds to 9.4 nm) was measured.

A highly linear frequency ramp generator based on a fractional divider phase-locked-loop

Abstract: A highly linear analog frequency ramp generator based on a fractional divider concept is presented. The frequency ramp linearity achievable in this fractional phase-locked-loop configuration is better than 10/sup -4/. This value is revealed by numerical simulations as well as by measurements performed. With a prototype synthesizer implemented in a FMCW-radar system suitable for distance and velocity measurements.

Method and apparatus for coupling an antenna to a device

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving, by a feed point of a dielectric antenna, electromagnetic waves from a dielectric core coupled to the feed point without an electrical return path, where at least a portion of the dielectric antenna comprises a conductive surface, directing, by the feed point, the electromagnetic waves to a proximal portion of the dielectric antenna, and radiating, via an aperture of the dielectric antenna, a wireless signal responsive to the electromagnetic waves being received at the aperture. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Backhaul link for distributed antenna system

Abstract: A distributed antenna and backhaul system provide network connectivity for a small cell deployment. Rather than building new structures, and installing additional fiber and cable, embodiments described herein disclose using high-bandwidth, millimeter-wave communications and existing power line infrastructure. Above ground backhaul connections via power lines and line-of-sight millimeter-wave band signals as well as underground backhaul connections via buried electrical conduits can provide connectivity to the distributed base stations. An overhead millimeter-wave system can also be used to provide backhaul connectivity. Modules can be placed onto existing infrastructure, such as streetlights and utility poles, and the modules can contain base stations and antennas to transmit the millimeter-waves to and from other modules.

Remote distributed antenna system

Abstract: A distributed antenna system is provided that frequency shifts the output of one or more microcells to a 60 GHz or higher frequency range for transmission to a set of distributed antennas. The cellular band outputs of these microcell base station devices are used to modulate a 60 GHz (or higher) carrier wave, yielding a group of subcarriers on the 60 GHz carrier wave. This group will then be transmitted in the air via analog microwave RF unit, after which it can be repeated or radiated to the surrounding area. The repeaters amplify the signal and resend it on the air again toward the next repeater. In places where a microcell is required, the 60 GHz signal is shifted in frequency back to its original frequency (e.g., the 1.9 GHz cellular band) and radiated locally to nearby mobile devices.

Method and apparatus for sensing a condition in a transmission medium of electromagnetic waves

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device that facilitates transmitting electromagnetic waves along a surface of a wire that facilitates delivery of electric energy to devices, and sensing a condition that is adverse to the electromagnetic waves propagating along the surface of the wire. Other embodiments are disclosed.