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IWRL6432: Detection Range using Rogers PCB

Mike Schell
Prodigy 170 points
Part Number: IWRL6432

Dear TI E2E-

I am trying to maximize the detection range of an IWRL6432 module. I understand that switching from FR4 to Rogers would result in an 8-9 dB improvement.

Could you hazard a guess about the potential improvement in the detection range? For example, in your video doorbell application, the IWRL6432BOOST shows almost 23 meters of detection range at 0 degrees (straight down the bore sight). What's your guess on the detection range if we switched to a Rogers substrate to build the PCB?

Switching to Rogers is much more economically feasible if the radar is built on a small module rather than part of a larger board.

Thanks-

Mike Schell

  • 0
    TI__Mastermind 32800 points

    Hi Mike,

    Switching from FR4 to Rogers may result in an SNR improvement if the materials are properly matched. The amount of SNR improvement will depend strongly on the length of the transmission lines, so I cannot guarantee that you will see 8-9 dB if your transmission lines were short to begin with.

    Since a radar's signal power attenuates in air at a rate of 1/R^4, in order to double the range, you need to multiply the signal power by 16. 9 dB is equivalent to about an 8X improvement in signal power, so if you increase signal power by 9 dB, you range should increase by a factor of 8^(1/4) = 1.68.

    Best,

    Nate

  • 0 in reply to Nathan Block
    Prodigy 170 points

    Hi Nate,

    Thank you. This is very helpful information. Would you anticipate a redesign of the antenna would be required or just matching the dielectric thickness to ensure a 50-ohm impedance? I hope I am not oversimplifying.

    Best-

    Mike

  • 0 in reply to Mike Schell
    TI__Expert 7620 points

    Hi Mike,

    We will be needing a redesign of the antenna as the dielectric properties would change with change of material. By matching the dielectric thickness to ensure a 50-ohm impedance we will not be able to match the Dk.

    Regards

    Ankit

  • 0 in reply to Ankit Mohanty
    Prodigy 170 points

    Hi Nate, Ankit-

    Thank you, this is beneficial information. Rogers material could offer increased range w/o increasing the power, albeit at a slightly higher PCB cost. Still, that's a good tradeoff in battery-powered applications.

    Best Regards-

    Mike