Texas Instruments AWR6843AOPEVM

Overview

AWR6843AOPEVM from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module for the AWR6843 single-chip 60-GHz millimeter-wave radar sensor with integrated antenna-on-package (AOP) technology. It supports real-time FMCW radar signal processing, features a 3T4R MIMO antenna array delivering 12 virtual channels, operates from 60–64 GHz, and enables high-resolution object detection in industrial and automotive sensing applications including occupancy monitoring and gesture recognition.

For engineers reviewing the AWR6843AOPEVM datasheet, AWR6843AOPEVM pinout, AWR6843AOPEVM application, or AWR6843AOPEVM equivalent, key selection considerations include its integrated AOP antenna performance, USB/Bluetooth modular interface modes, thermal management via optional heatsink, DCA1000EVM compatibility for high-speed data capture, and TI's mmWave Studio software integration for real-time radar visualization and algorithm development.

Technical Context

The AWR6843AOPEVM implements the AWR6843 sensor IC in a fully assembled, calibrated hardware platform with on-board power regulation, configurable jumpers for interface mode selection (Modular USB/Bluetooth, DCA1000EVM, or MMWAVEICBOOST), and a thermally optimized PCB layout supporting junction temperature monitoring up to 105°C. It integrates TI's proprietary RF front-end, C674x DSP, and ARM R4F processor for on-device point-cloud generation and sensor fusion.

Hardware design includes dual-mode RF output routing (direct antenna feed or external test port), MIPI CSI-2 and LVDS interfaces for raw ADC data streaming, and CP2105-based USB-to-UART bridge enabling firmware updates and command-line control without external debug probes.

Key Specifications

Availability

AWR6843AOPEVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial occupancy sensing, smart building presence detection, automotive cabin monitoring, and robotics proximity mapping requiring stable component supply and rapid radar prototyping capability.

Supply support for AWR6843AOPEVM includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and wireless connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The AWR6843AOPEVM belongs to TI's mmWave sensor evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate development of 60-GHz radar applications in space-constrained, low-power environments where integrated antennas and on-chip processing reduce system complexity.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AWR6843AOPEVM?

The AWR6843AOPEVM is an evaluation module for the AWR6843 60-GHz mmWave radar sensor. It provides a complete hardware platform-including integrated AOP antennas, power regulation, interface options, and thermal management-to enable rapid development and validation of radar-based sensing applications. The AWR6843AOPEVM itself does not perform sensing autonomously but serves as the reference implementation for evaluating the AWR6843 sensor IC's capabilities in real-world conditions.

Does the AWR6843AOPEVM support direct connection to a PC?

Yes, the AWR6843AOPEVM supports direct PC connection via USB Type-C using the onboard CP2105 USB-to-UART bridge. This enables serial communication for sensor configuration, firmware updates, and real-time data streaming through TI's mmWave Studio software. No external debug probe or adapter is required for basic setup and evaluation of the AWR6843AOPEVM.

How does the AWR6843AOPEVM differ from the IWR6843ISK starter kit?

The AWR6843AOPEVM uses the AWR6843 sensor with integrated antenna-on-package (AOP), offering higher RF performance and smaller form factor than the IWR6843ISK, which relies on discrete PCB antennas. The AWR6843AOPEVM also adds Bluetooth interface support, enhanced thermal design with heatsink mounting, and updated switch configurations for modular operation-making it the preferred choice for production-representative evaluation of AOP-based radar systems.

Can the AWR6843AOPEVM be used with the DCA1000EVM for high-speed data capture?

Yes, the AWR6843AOPEVM is fully compatible with the DCA1000EVM for high-speed raw ADC data capture. When configured in DCA1000EVM mode via onboard switches, the AWR6843AOPEVM outputs LVDS or MIPI CSI-2 streams synchronized to the radar frame clock, allowing full-bandwidth digitization and offline processing in MATLAB or custom analysis tools-critical for validating radar signal chain integrity in the AWR6843AOPEVM platform.

What software tools are required to operate the AWR6843AOPEVM?

Texas Instruments' mmWave Studio is the primary software tool for operating the AWR6843AOPEVM. It provides GUI-based sensor configuration, real-time point-cloud visualization, data logging, and algorithm scripting. Firmware updates and low-level register access are supported via UniFlash and TI's mmWave SDK. All tools are freely available from ti.com and validated for use with the AWR6843AOPEVM Rev G hardware revision.