Implementing intelligent autonomy at the edge
High-resolution single-chip millimeter-wave sensor
Texas Instruments announced on the 8th that it is launching a new 60GHz sensor portfolio for industrial systems with high-resolution single-chip CMOS products to enhance millimeter wave (mmWave) sensor technology for industrial applications worldwide.

The IWR6x millimeter-wave sensor enables industrial automation through on-chip processing capabilities and provides real-time decision-making and signal processing functions. The new 60 GHz millimeter-wave sensor is set to feature an antenna-on-package for the first time, addressing existing challenges related to RF design while reducing size by up to 75% and lowering overall costs.

By using this 60 GHz millimeter wave sensor, engineers around the world can integrate millimeter wave technology into a wide range of robot, factory, and building automation designs and use the ISM band for large-scale deployments. The high-resolution IWR6x sensor, designed for industrial use, offers a very wide bandwidth of up to 4 GHz, allowing it to detect objects and motion up to 16 times more accurately than 24 GHz narrowband solutions.

The main features and advantages of the IWR6x sensor are as follows.

First is intelligent autonomy at the edge. By integrating on-chip processing, false positives can be reduced and real-time decision-making is possible. Therefore, various systems do not require microcontrollers or processors.

Next is high-resolution sensing. Ultra-wideband millimeter-wave sensors can detect objects, people, and motion with up to 16 times higher resolution than 24 GHz sensors.

The IWR6x sensor is optimized for industrial automation. Millimeter-wave technology expands building and factory automation capabilities, enabling more intelligent operations for people counting, motion detection, robotics, safety protection, and vital signs monitoring.

In addition, system accuracy has been improved. The 60GHz millimeter-wave sensor operates even in complex environments, enhancing the accuracy of existing systems. It also penetrates materials such as glass, plastic, and drywall in various lighting and environments.

Finally, industrial design has been simplified. By providing an antenna-on-package, a comprehensive software platform, application-specific algorithms, and various reference designs, designers can start designing immediately.

Pre-order samples of the IWR6843 will be available for purchase at the TI store starting November 12. The IWR6843 modular development platform (IWR6843-STARTER-BDL) is priced at $348, and the additional antenna module (IWR6843ISK) is priced at $149.