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IWR6843ISK: Selection of IWR6843 for 6m Vital Signs Detection on UAV Platform

TI-CSC
Genius 14840 points
Part Number: IWR6843ISK
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: IWR6843, , , IWRL6432, IWR6843AOP

Hello E2E Experts,

I am writing to request technical guidance on selecting the optimal mmWave sensor configuration for a drone-based medical triage system. Our team is competing in the DARPA Triage Challenge, and we are developing a flight computer capable of detecting human vital signs (specifically respiration and heart rate) at standoff distances of 2 meters and 6 meters.

Given the strict SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) constraints of our UAV and the need for rapid integration, we have identified the IWR6843 family as our primary candidate due to its single-chip integration and robust SDK. However, we have specific queries regarding the link budget and antenna selection for the 6-meter use case.

Our Requirements:

• Target: Stationary human subject (lying or sitting).

• Measurement: Respiration rate (micro-Doppler displacement ~1-5mm) and Heart Rate.

• Standoff Distances: Minimum 2m, Maximum 6m.

• Platform: UAV (Drone) – requiring high vibration robustness and low SWaP.

Our Questions:

1. Antenna Configuration (ISK vs. ODS): We are currently evaluating the IWR6843ISK versus the IWR6843ISK-ODS.

• While the ODS offers a wider Field of View (120°), we are concerned that its lower antenna gain may be insufficient for detecting the minute chest displacements of breathing at 6 meters.

• For a 6m specific target, would you recommend the standard IWR6843ISK (with its higher gain/narrower beam) over the ODS to maximize SNR? Or is there a different antenna module (e.g., AOP or a third-party high-gain horn) you would recommend for this range?

2. Vital Signs Range Limit: The standard "Vital Signs with People Tracking" lab typically specifies a max range of ~5 meters.

• Are there existing configurations, chirp profiles, or advanced processing chains (e.g., beamforming methods) available in the Industrial Toolbox that can extend reliable breathing detection to 6+ meters?

• Can the noise floor at 6m be sufficiently managed to separate the heartbeat signal from the drone's own micro-vibrations?

3. Alternative Recommendations: Is there another sensor in the TI mmWave portfolio (e.g., 60GHz or 77GHz) that would be better suited for this specific "Long-Range, Low-Power" triage application?

Any application notes, reference designs, or theoretical range estimations you could provide for 6m vital sign detection would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

TICSC

  • 0
    TI__Mastermind 22321 points

    Hello, 

    We are looking into your questions. Someone will get back to you in the next 1-2 days. 

    Thanks and regards,

    Josh

  • 0 in reply to Josh Dye
    TI__Genius 12460 points

    Hi

    Vital signs demos are available on 2 devices. IWR6843 and IWRL6432. While IWR6843 will provide better performance, IWRL6432 will provide low power option.

    1. IWR6843ISK is more suited for vital detection. But do note that the subject needs to be stationary for 20 seconds for vitals to be obtained. If you are looking only at Vitals and you do not want to use the same sensor for long range detection, you can also consider IWR6843AOP

    2.Vitals cannot be obtained for distance greater than 6m as accuracy will be compromised. As vitals detection primarily dependent on sensing chest movements, detecting such small movements beyond 6m is not possible.

    Regards 

  • 0 in reply to Abhishek Karkisaval
    Prodigy 10 points

    For vital sign detection, yes, range is very critical. However, within the range does not mean phase measurement will lead to the HR or RR values accurately. Coherence time length is, say min 20 seconds where any physical motion of the radar platform will add to that which needs to be separated. 

    This is our current work in progress and we use TI IWR4843AOP based on our own codes. This is necessary since range bin detection might need to be updated during a single measurement.

  • 0 in reply to Gokhun Tanyer
    TI__Genius 12460 points

    Hi,

    Yes, the vibration of the drone could cause problem if the frequency fall within the HR/BR range. This could reduce the accuracy of the measurement.

    Amount of deviation depends on how stable the UAV could be.

    Regards