PhD Thesis Defense

The enormous complexity to size ratio of integrated circuits is one of the great technological accomplishments. The proliferation of integrated circuits into all aspects of daily life has ushered in an era where the line between circuit and system designers has become increasingly blurred. This thesis explores new systems in sensing and connectivity and the design of the integrated circuits that can empower them. The first part of this thesis focuses on the quest for a low-cost, LiDAR-like imaging radar for automotive applications. Novel signals, systems, analytical frameworks and a custom silicon transceiver are presented. The second part of this thesis explores decentralized relay architectures for communications, monolithic electro-optic systems for sensing, flexible arrays for wireless power transfer, and the novel integrated circuits that enable them all.