SWRU639 February   2025

 

  1.   1
  2.   Description
  3.   Get Started
  4.   Features
  5.   Applications
  6.   6
  7. 1Evaluation Module Overview
    1. 1.1 Introduction
    2. 1.2 Kit Contents
    3. 1.3 Specifications
    4. 1.4 Device Information
  8. 2Hardware
    1. 2.1 Block Diagram
      1. 2.1.1 Design Considerations
    2. 2.2 Power Requirements
      1. 2.2.1 System Design Theory
    3. 2.3 Highlighted Products
      1. 2.3.1 AWR2243
      2. 2.3.2 AM2732R
      3. 2.3.3 LP876242-Q1
      4. 2.3.4 LM62460-Q1
      5. 2.3.5 TCAN1043A-Q1
      6. 2.3.6 TCAN1044A-Q1
      7. 2.3.7 TMP102-Q1
      8. 2.3.8 TPS61379-Q1
      9. 2.3.9 DP83TC812-Q1
    4. 2.4 Virtual Antenna Array
  9. 3Implementation Results
    1. 3.1 Performance Data and Results
      1. 3.1.1 Angle Resolution Measurement
  10. 4Hardware Design Files
    1. 4.1 Schematics
    2. 4.2 PCB Layout Recommendations
      1. 4.2.1 20GHz (FMCW) RF LO Sync
      2. 4.2.2 PCB Layer Stackup
    3. 4.3 BOM
  11. 5Tools and Software
  12. 6Related Documentation
    1.     Supplemental Content
  13. 7Additional Information
    1. 7.1 Trademarks
  14. 8Revision History

1.1 Introduction

High resolution images of vehicle surroundings are a requirement for many automotive safety systems. This cascade radar addresses these concerns by combining two 76 to 81GHz radar transceivers, a radar processor, two CAN-FD PHYs, an Ethernet PHY and a low noise power supply. The only two connections that the system requires are the battery power input and CAN-FD or Ethernet for data output.

The radar section of this design utilizes a printed-circuit-board (PCB) etched antenna with 6 transmit elements and 8 receive elements. By using this antenna, a modulated chirp is transmitted and reflections are sampled into the onboard digital signal processor (DSP). With this information, the sensor can record distance, angle, and velocity measurements from objects within the antenna field of view. The design offers a feature to write out the object data to a central electronic control unit (ECU) on the CAN-FD bus at a rate of 5Mb/s, raw data to the LVDS port, or any data up to 100Mb/s over Ethernet PHY.

The two chip AWR2243 cascade Evaluation Module (EVM) uses the AWR2243 mmWave sensing device as a 4D Imaging Radar. Designed with Rogers RO3003, this evaluation board offers high performance and has seamless integration with the DCA1000EVM for direct connectivity, facilitating raw ADC capture and signal processing development. With a focus on user-friendliness and versatility, the EVM can operate in stand alone mode and includes all features that streamline the initiation of software development.

Key attributes of this EVM include longer-range TX beamforming and beamsteering, High angular resolution MIMO, Power Supply Optimized for Small Size and High Efficiency, Two-device 76 to 81GHz Automotive Radar Sensor Integrates DSP and MCU and Provides Object Data Over CAN-FD, Ethernet or LVDS, Wide VIN 36V OFF Battery Supply Tolerates up to 42V, and Diagnostic/Monitoring Functions for ASIL B. Additionally, the EVM incorporates a serial port for programming the onboard QSPI flash and features a 60-pin high-density (HD) connector designed for the capture of raw ADC data from the mmWave radar device.