The radar-based gesture control system enhances driver interaction by using hand gestures to operate vehicle functions, ensuring safer and more efficient driving.
Automotive mmWave radar gesture control technology marks a pivotal innovation in vehicle interface systems, significantly enhancing user experience and safety. This technology lets drivers control various vehicle functions through simple hand gestures, considerably reducing physical and cognitive distractions. By improving accessibility, increasing convenience, and ensuring higher levels of hygiene, mmWave radar supports the seamless integration of complex technologies within vehicles. As we move towards more autonomous driving systems, intuitive controls are crucial in making human interaction and advanced vehicle technologies more natural and efficient. The reference design from Texas Instruments (TI) incorporates mmWave radar and a comprehensive automotive power system, offering a streamlined solution to detect hand gestures and enhance the driver’s experience.
As automobiles have evolved, there has been a growing demand for more straightforward interaction with the increasing volume of hardware integrated into the infotainment console and the vehicle’s body. Beyond traditional physical button presses or customized voice commands, simple and intuitive hand gestures enable drivers to operate their vehicles with fewer distractions from the road.
The design’s applications include a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) through gesturing, allowing users to interact with systems via simple hand movements. Additionally, it serves as an obstacle detection sensor, providing critical real-time data to help avoid collisions by identifying objects in the vehicle’s path.
The system features a 77-GHz radar-based gesturing capability, which outputs gesture data via CAN-FD. It operates over a wide voltage range from 3.5 V to 42 V, accommodating various automotive power systems. Its compact design measures just 50.3 mm by 56.7 mm, making it versatile for installation in space-constrained areas.
The reference design showcases a comprehensive radar-based gesture control system compactly integrated within key areas like the infotainment or overhead console where size and performance are crucial. It utilizes the AWR1642 device, a mmWave radar DSP and AFE that processes 77- to 81-GHz signals. This system employs two transmitting antennas and four receiving antennas. A frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar system captures detailed data on the distance, angle, and velocity of reflected radar signals, translating these into recognizable hand gestures.
The AWR1642 device functions efficiently with minimal external components needed for power, flash memory, and CAN interface communication. The system’s power architecture includes the LM536253-Q1 wide input voltage buck converter, the LP87702-Q1 multi-rail power management IC, and the TPS7A52-Q1 linear regulator, ensuring stable operation. It utilizes the TCAN1042GV-Q1 device for communication, facilitating robust interaction with the automotive system via battery power input and CAN-FD communication output. This design exemplifies how advanced gesture recognition technology can be embedded into modern vehicles to enhance user interaction and functionality.
TI has tested this reference design. It comes with a bill of materials (BOM), schematics, assembly drawing, printed circuit board (PCB) layout, and more. The company’s website has additional data about the reference design. To read more about this reference design, click here.
