Low-Cost Integrated Microwave Radiometer Front-End for Industrial Applications

In this paper, a low-cost integrated X-band microwave radiometerfor ground-based applications is presented. The microwave frequencies offer the advantage with respect to the infrared wavelenghts of penetrating all materials, except of metals, allowing detection also through thick smoke and vapor. The design and the characterization of the radiofrequencyelectronics front-end and of the antenna are described. On the basis of the experimental findings, some estimations are reported to evaluate the capabilities of the radiometer in the real practice.