AWR1843: Output power of AWR1843

Hello,

In the profile configuration there is a TX backoff setting. This is used to reduce the Tx power from the max value. Default (ie 0dB backoff) gives around 12dBm Tx o/p. Additionally there is an antenna gain of 8-9 dBi.  Using the backoff of 1dB, for example, reduces the TX o/p by 1dB and so on. If you are using 0dB backoff then that is the max o/p you can get.

Have you turned on single Tx in the chirp or are you using multiple Tx at the same time? Also you need to make sure you are using external antenna that operate at 80Ghz band for the reception of the signal.

Regards,

Vivek

Hi Vivek,

Thanks for reply.

You mentioned that"external antenna that operate at 80Ghz band for the reception of the signal."  In the profile configuration, I  used the "Start Freq(GHz)" 77G, so the external antenna I also used 77GHz. right? 

Another question. How can I know my AWR1843 is working and give a 12dBm output? or you can say how can I read the TX Power?  Thanks. 

follow is my configure screenshot.

Hello ,

yes you are right , you need a 77Ghz antenna based on your configuration.

Are you measuring average power on the spectrum analyzer? I think what is happening is that  your chirp times are very short and idle times are large. So the average power measured on the spectrum analyzer will be very low. To observe  the proper signal you either need to make sure the spectrum analyzer is triggered on the Rf power level and measuring the power  only during the active chirp period or you could increase the ratio of the active to idle chirp period. This can be done by keeping a lower idle time, like 3-4 usec. Also set the frame periodicity such that the duty cycle is high.

Regards,

Vivek