Wide Range and Tunable Pulse Generator in CMOS 45-nm Technology for Pulse Radar Array

In multi-input multi-output (MIMO) pulse radar systems, the precise pulse generation is critical for achieving high-measurement resolution and detection accuracy in imaging and monitoring applications. This work presents a wide range, the tunable pulse generator for the pulse radar array system. The proposed pulse generator based on a high-efficiency delay-locked loop (DLL) and a high-precision nor-based edge combination scheme, offers a broad pulse-tuning range and minimal pulsewidth error. Specifically, the DLL generates 41 antiphased outputs, which are processed by the nor gate with appropriate delay time and equal loading effects. A transmission-gate-based multiplexer selects the desired pulse without introducing systematic mismatch. Operating at a 50-MHz reference frequency, the prototype circuit achieves a wide tuning range from 142 ps to 7.04 ns (4957%). The proposed circuit demonstrates an rms jitter of 6 ps while consuming 2.8–3.2 mW from a 1-V power supply, depending on the selected pulsewidth.