Overview
The Texas Instruments AWR1843ABGABLQ1 is an integrated single-chip Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar sensor designed for automotive applications. It operates in the 76 to 81 GHz frequency band, making it an ideal solution for low-power, self-monitored, and ultra-accurate radar systems. Built using TI’s low-power 45-nm RFCMOS process, the AWR1843 enables unprecedented levels of integration in a small form factor. This device simplifies the implementation of automotive radar sensors and is part of a complete platform solution that includes reference designs, software drivers, sample configurations, API guides, and user documentation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 76 to 81 GHz |
| Available Bandwidth | 4 GHz |
| Number of Receive Channels | Four |
| Number of Transmit Channels | Three |
| TX Power | 12 dBm |
| RX Noise Figure | 14 dB (76 to 77 GHz), 15 dB (77 to 81 GHz) |
| Phase Noise at 1 MHz | -95 dBc/Hz (76 to 77 GHz), -93 dBc/Hz (77 to 81 GHz) |
| Process Technology | 45-nm RFCMOS |
| Package Type | FCBGA (161 pins), 10.4 mm × 10.4 mm |
| On-chip Memory | 2 MB |
| DSP | Ti C674x for FMCW signal processing |
| Microcontroller | ARM Cortex-R4F |
| Interfaces | CAN, CAN-FD, SPI, UART, I2C, GPIO, 2-lane LVDS |
| Functional Safety | ASIL B targeted, AEC-Q100 qualified |
Key Features
- Integrated FMCW transceiver with PLL, transmitter, receiver, baseband, and ADC.
- Ultra-accurate chirp engine based on fractional-N PLL.
- Built-in calibration and self-test (monitoring) capabilities.
- ARM Cortex-R4F-based radio control system and built-in firmware (ROM).
- Self-calibrating system across frequency and temperature.
- Embedded self-monitoring with no host processor involvement.
- Complex baseband architecture and embedded interference detection capability.
- Programmable phase rotators in the transmit path to enable beam forming.
- Power management with built-in LDO network for enhanced PSRR and dual voltage support (3.3 V/1.8 V).
- Support for external oscillator, externally driven clock, and 40 MHz crystal connection.
- Easy hardware design with a 0.65-mm pitch, 161-pin FCBGA package.
- Supports automotive temperature operating range.
Applications
- Blind spot detection.
- Lane change assistance.
- Cross traffic alert.
- Parking assistance.
- Occupancy detection.
- Gesture recognition.
Q & A
- What is the frequency range of the AWR1843?
The AWR1843 operates in the 76 to 81 GHz frequency band.
- How many receive and transmit channels does the AWR1843 have?
The AWR1843 has four receive channels and three transmit channels.
- What is the process technology used in the AWR1843?
The AWR1843 is built using TI’s low-power 45-nm RFCMOS process.
- What type of DSP is integrated in the AWR1843?
The AWR1843 integrates TI’s high-performance C674x DSP for FMCW signal processing.
- Does the AWR1843 support functional safety standards?
Yes, the AWR1843 is ASIL B targeted and AEC-Q100 qualified.
- What interfaces are available on the AWR1843?
The AWR1843 supports CAN, CAN-FD, SPI, UART, I2C, GPIO, and a 2-lane LVDS interface.
- How does the AWR1843 manage power?
The AWR1843 has a built-in LDO network for enhanced PSRR and supports dual voltage (3.3 V/1.8 V).
- What is the package type and size of the AWR1843?
The AWR1843 comes in a 161-pin FCBGA package with a size of 10.4 mm × 10.4 mm.
- Does the AWR1843 support external clock sources?
Yes, the AWR1843 supports external oscillators, externally driven clocks, and 40 MHz crystal connections.
- What are some of the key applications of the AWR1843?
The AWR1843 is used in blind spot detection, lane change assistance, cross traffic alert, parking assistance, occupancy detection, and gesture recognition.
