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Lc Oscillator Chirp Generator For Ladar Applications, Joseph Richard Grace Iii

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The design, layout, simulation, and testing of a signal generator integrated circuit (IC) intended to create a frequency modulated chirp signal used in Laser Assisted Detection and Ranging (LADAR) systems are described. LADAR systems function by illuminating a target with a laser beam and measuring the properties of the reflected signal. Applications include range finding, collision avoidance, terrain mapping, and facial recognition. The development and improvement of LADAR IC design can lead to miniaturized LADAR-on-chip systems that could significantly improve the usability and applications of said systems. Two designs, a fixed frequency oscillator bank (FFOB) and a voltage controlled oscillator …