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IWR1443: error codes, RAMP_END, beam forming

Part Number: IWR1443

Hello,

1)in case of wrong parameter the console returns a -1. The docu describes errror codes in the SW but how can the error codes be read?

Customer found:
System_printf ("Error: mmWave Control Configuration failed [Error code %d]\n", errCode);

But where is the output of the system printf?

2) How can the parameter RAMP_END be interpreted? A RAMP_END time of 40uS sound not realistic that means FMCW of 500m but it is ineffective at 10m. So the demo SW seems not useful for the customer.

3) Customer tries 1x tx and 4x rx and would like to shift the multiply of FFT to eliminate all objects with the multiplication outside of a dedicated angle window. Unfortunately the IWR1443 has no programmable phase shifter but only a binary modulator so that customer can't do active beam forming. He has to do mathematical tricks and different antennas.

4) Customer has problems to get access to the FFTs of the rx in the current firmware. He needs a function with 1x tx and 4x rx which can be shown overlayed (see attachment, the multiplied curve is only drawn for better overview.). 

alb.docx

  • Hello ,
    The number of samples you program plus the ADC start time need to fit within the ramp end time programmed. You have programmed 128 samples at 4000ksps , this itself will take 32usec . Plus you have an ADC start time of 7usec. So the ramp end time must be atleast > 32+7 usec. That is why the configuration is giving you an error.
    We recommend you use the sensing estimator tool to help you with the right chirp parameters based on your requirements.

    Not sure I fully understood your comment about the demo not being useful. If you are looking for a 10m distance measurement , the demo is very useful for such distances.

    regards,
    Vivek
  • ok, this is understood.
    Can you also answer the other questions.

    Regards, Holger
  • Hi Holger,

    For questions 3 and 4:

    3) Customer tries 1x tx and 4x rx and would like to shift the multiply of FFT to eliminate all objects with the multiplication outside of a dedicated angle window. Unfortunately the IWR1443 has no programmable phase shifter but only a binary modulator so that customer can't do active beam forming. He has to do mathematical tricks and different antennas.

    Can you please clarify ( and provide some details) what is being asked in this question? 

    4) Customer has problems to get access to the FFTs of the rx in the current firmware. He needs a function with 1x tx and 4x rx which can be shown overlayed (see attachment, the multiplied curve is only drawn for better overview.). 

    I believe you created a separate thread for this question as given below to which I have already responded. Can you please confirm if this is the same question as given in the thread below or a different one?

    https://e2e.ti.com/support/sensor/mmwave_sensors/f/1023/p/614269/2262683#2262683

    Regards

    -Nitin

  • Hi Holger,

    I'm posting the responses for 3 and 4, which were provided to you over email (08/03). Can you please mark this post if your query was answered?

    3) Customer tries 1x tx and 4x rx and would like to shift the multiply of FFT to eliminate all objects with the multiplication outside of a dedicated angle window. Unfortunately the IWR1443 has no programmable phase shifter but only a binary modulator so that customer can't do active beam forming. He has to do mathematical tricks and different antennas.
    -> As already indicated, there is no phase shifter so you cannot do TX beam-forming but you can do Digital beam-forming in the RX direction using a windowing function (either on the HWA or on R4F). Is that what the customer intends to do?
    4) Customer has problems to get access to the FFTs of the rx in the current firmware. He needs a function with 1x tx and 4x rx which can be shown overlay-ed (see attachment, the multiplied curve is only drawn for better overview.).
    -> As per the response already provided on the forum, you can look at the SDK demo to understand how it is processing data from all 4 receivers and computing FFTs on all of them. Alternatively, you can use the Capture demo to get the Raw ADC data if you want to analyze the data for algorithm development. As Vivek mentioned, the capture demo as is provides data from one RX but it can be modified to output data for all RXs.

    Thanks
    -Nitin
  • Hi Holger,

    Can we close this thread if your questions have been answered?

    Thanks
    -Nitin
  • Hi Holger,

    I'll close this thread for the lack of activity. Please create a new post if you need more support in this regard.

    Thanks
    -Nitin