Configurable mmWave Radar Module

Configurable mmWave Radar Technology Platform

Plextek’s PLX-T60 platform allows you to accelerate product development.

Our PLX-T60 mmWave technology platform combines the Texas Instruments IWR6843 single-chip 60 – 64 GHz mmWave radar chipset with a novel substrate integrated waveguide antenna designed to deliver enhanced sensing performance. The antenna design enables the full bandwidth of the chip to be realised, providing greater range resolution and enabling more devices to operate concurrently without mutual interference compared to other designs. Different antenna designs generate different beam patterns to suit a range of applications with optimal performance.

The PLX-T60 platform can output detections, point-cloud data, range-Doppler maps and raw baseband signals. It is also compatible with TI’s mmWave studio.


Partnering with you

radar integrated into a perimeter security product

The PLX-T60 platform can be integrated into your product through:

Integrating one of our existing designs as an OEM module within your product
or
Using an existing PLX-T60 platform as a base, and tasking Plextek to:

  • Design a customized antenna solution to provide the required beam coverage and gain
  • Modify electronic circuitry to provide desired
PLX-T60 and Texas Instruments IWR6843ISK Evaluation board range comparison
PLX-T60 and Texas Instruments IWR6843ISK Evaluation board range comparison

The mmWave radar technology can be customised for your specific application

  • Build on our technology – giving you a head start on the competition
  • Benefit from our long history and deep experience to accelerate your project
  • Access a large team of exceptional engineers in an instant

Deploy sophisticated radar processing algorithms at the edge, reducing system SWaP and data backhaul requirements.


Real-world challenge

GNSS denied

Adaptive mmWave radar for drone terrain navigation

When a client wanted to use mmWave radar as a smaller, lightweight, low-power, cost-effective option for terrain referenced navigation using a small radar mounted on a drone, the team adapted Plextek’s configurable mmWave radar module, the PLX-T60.

The challenge was then to fine tune the algorithms to turn a ground-based radar looking for moving targets into an airborne radar looking at complex terrain profiles below – as well as developing a whole new set of algorithms to accurately and reliably match those terrain profiles to reference data. In the end, we were able to help maintain awareness of the drone’s location to within meters, even when global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data ceased.

Key Features

Up to 250 m detection range against a person

  • Plextek’s substrate-integrated-waveguide-based antenna design (patent pending) boosts efficiency and operational bandwidth whilst maintaining a consistent radiation pattern, thereby enabling:
    • Higher signal-to-noise ratio*
    • Better range resolution*
    • Multiple concurrent device operation without causing mutual interference
    • Reduced false detections* due to low sidelobe levels
  • Low Size, Weight, Power and Cost
  • Supports Texas Instruments mmWave studio software
  • A range of antenna configurations available
*Compared with Texas Instruments IWR6843ISK Evaluation board
  • 01
    PLX-T60A

    Very short range wide field of view (3D)

  • 02
    PLX-T60B

    Short range (3D)

  • 03
    PLX-T60C

    Medium range (3D)

  • 04
    PLX-T60D

    Long range detection and tracking (2D)

  • 05
    PLX-T60D (High Performance)

    Long range detection and tracking (2D)

Configurable mmWave radar Specification

Technology Platform

Our mmWave Radar technology platform enables fast, customised radar solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Get in touch to start your development journey.

Example specification

  • Size

    70 x 60 x 8 mm up to 79 x 60 x 8 mm

  • Weight

    18g

  • Frequency Range

    60 – 64 GHz
    Antenna return loss
    better than 10 dB

  • Radar Field-of-View

    Azimuth – 25˚ to 72˚
    Elevation – 8˚ to 12˚

  • Angular Resolution

    Azimuth – from 12˚
    Elevation – from 3˚

  • Range Resolution

    From 4 cm

  • Detection Range

    Up to 250 m for a person

  • Supply Voltage

    5 V, 500 mA

  • Connectivity

    USB

Looking to customize your TI mmWave Radar?

Where many companies offer off-the-shelf products, we specialise in developing custom technology without compromise.

Plextek can tailor Texas Instruments xWR6843 beyond its standard capabilities to meet your specific requirements.

Plextek Technology Platforms

Plextek Technology Platforms

Plextek’s ‘white-label’ technology platforms allow you to accelerate product development, streamline efficiencies, and access our extensive R&D expertise to suit your project needs.

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Our award winning mmWave radar technology improves the safety and efficiency of businesses operating across multiple industries

Technical papers

View All
Sensing in space The untapped potential of radar for space-based sensing. And how to get it right.
Sensing in space

Space holds vast promise. Orbiting satellites have already enabled global communications and allowed us to learn about our planet's climate. This paper will explain radar, how it works, and why it is suited to space applications. It will also discuss considerations for space companies when deploying any sensing technology. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to sensing. Our team works with space missions to assess if mmWave radar is right, and where it is, identify optimal configurations, software, and security to deliver against the performance and SWaP-C goals.

an image of our technical paper
mmWave Imaging Radar

Camera systems are in widespread use as sensors that provide information about the surrounding environment. But this can struggle with image interpretation in complex scenarios. In contrast, mmWave radar technology offers a more straightforward view of the geometry and motion of objects, making it valuable for applications like autonomous vehicles, where radar aids in mapping surroundings and detecting obstacles. Radar’s ability to provide direct 3D location data and motion detection through Doppler effects is advantageous, though traditionally expensive and bulky. Advances in SiGe device integration are producing more compact and cost-effective radar solutions. Plextek aims to develop mm-wave radar prototypes that balance cost, size, weight, power, and real-time data processing for diverse applications, including autonomous vehicles, human-computer interfaces, transport systems, and building security.

an image of our technical paper
Low Cost Millimeter Wave Radio frequency Sensors

This paper presents a range of novel low-cost millimeter-wave radio-frequency sensors that have been developed using the latest advances in commercially available electronic chip-sets. The recent emergence of low-cost, single chip silicon germanium transceiver modules combined with license exempt usage bands is creating a new area in which sensors can be developed. Three example systems using this technology are discussed, including: gas spectroscopy at stand off distances, non-invasive dielectric material characterization and high performance micro radar.

an image of our technical paper
60 GHz F-Scan SIW Meanderline Antenna for Radar Applications

This paper describes the design and characterization of a frequency-scanning meanderline antenna for operation at 60 GHz. The design incorporates SIW techniques and slot radiating elements. The amplitude profile across the antenna aperture has been weighted to reduce sidelobe levels, which makes the design attractive for radar applications. Measured performance agrees with simulations, and the achieved beam profile and sidelobe levels are better than previously documented frequency-scanning designs at V and W bands.

Measuring micro-debris in real-time and enabling a safer LEO with next generation space radar
Measuring Micro-Debris in LEO with Next-Gen Space Radar

Detecting micro-debris in real-time is key to safer space operations. Next-gen mmWave radar technology enables high-resolution tracking of even the smallest fragments in LEO, reducing collision risks and enhancing space situational awareness. Discover how this innovation supports a more sustainable orbital future.

Patent Pending: Plextek's substrate integrated waveguide design boosts efficiency, achieving a greater range
Optimizing mmWave radar capabilities with Texas Instruments

Plextek and Texas Instruments: Optimizing mmWave radar capabilities to solve key design challenges

Urban Challenges Rapid RF Propagation Modelling
Urban Challenges: Rapid RF Propagation Modelling

Discover the challenges and solutions for accurately modelling RF propagation in urban settings. Explore the innovative neural network model revolutionising urban RF systems.

Plextek's white paper Sensing in Space
mmWave Technology for Space Sensing and Operations

Discover our advanced mmWave radar platform for safer and more efficient space missions.

Enhancing communication and safety in mining: the role of custom RF system design

We explore the role of custom RF system design in communication and safety within the mining industry, ensuring robust data handling and operational efficiency in challenging conditions.

High-Performance mm-Wave Radar System for in-orbit micro-debris detection - capable of detecting fast-moving particles with relative velocities of up to 15.2 km/s at distances over 60 metres away
Continuing to Lead in Radar Development for Pioneering CLEAR Mission

We continue to advance radar technology for the CLEAR mission, reinforcing the partnership with ClearSpace and the UK Space Agency for sustainable space safety and debris removal.

Revolutionising chronic pain management
Revolutionising chronic pain management

Fusing mmWave technology and healthcare innovation to devise a ground-breaking, non-invasive pain management solution, demonstrating our commitment to advancing healthtech.

An artistic impression of the CLEAR mission. © ClearSpace
Pioneering Advanced In-Orbit Servicing

Pioneering a ground-breaking collaboration in advanced in-orbit servicing, setting new benchmarks for space debris removal and satellite maintenance.

imaging radar data processing
Unlocking the mysteries of imaging radar data processing

Looking deeper into the cutting edge of imaging radar data processing, where innovative techniques and practical applications combine to drive forward solutions.

A visual representation of: Advancing space technology solutions through innovation
Advancing space technology solutions through innovation

At the forefront of space technology innovation, we address complex engineering challenges in the sector, delivering low size, weight, and power solutions tailored for the harsh environment of space.

A visual representation of: A Programmer's Introduction to Processing Imaging Radar Data
A Programmer’s Introduction to Processing Imaging Radar Data

A practical guide for programmers on processing imaging radar data, featuring example Python code and a detailed exploration of a millimetre-wave radar's data processing pipeline.

A visual representation of: AI Gesture Control
AI Gesture Control

Exploring the possibilities of AI gesture control for household appliances and more, using privacy-preserving radar technology, underscoring innovation in smart home interactions.