Texas Instruments

AWR2188 - 8RX/8TX 76-81GHz FMCW Transceiver | Texas Instruments

MPN: AWR2188 βœ“ Active
In Stock Ships in 1-3 business days
1.8 V core Vdss LOP (Launch-on-Package) Package 76 GHz to 81 GHz Speed
From $29 USD / Unit
MOQ: 1 |
Price updated: 2026-08-26
Volume Pricing
Qty Unit Price Extended
1 $45 $45.00
10 $40.5 $405.00
100 $36 $3,600.00
500 $32.4 $16,200.00
1,000 $29 $29,000.00
ℹ️ All prices are in USD

Drop-in alternatives for AWR2188 β€” same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.

Quick Comparison Tool β€” Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:

AWR2188LOP

βœ… Drop-In
πŸ“¦ LOP
Same device with launch-on-package technology, pin-compatible

πŸ“‹ Reference alternative (not in catalog)

AWR2243

⚑ Same Package
πŸ“¦ LOP
4TX/4RX channels instead of 8TX/8RX, lower performance

πŸ“‹ Reference alternative (not in catalog)

AWR2188 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics

Frequency Range 76 GHz to 81 GHz
Number of Transmit Channels 8
Number of Receive Channels 8
Modulation FMCW
Package Type LOP (Launch-on-Package)
Cascadable Yes
Supply Voltage 1.8 V core
Operating Temperature [DATA_NEEDED: operating temperature range]
Output Power [DATA_NEEDED: TX output power]
Noise Figure [DATA_NEEDED: RX noise figure]
Phase Noise [DATA_NEEDED: phase noise at 1 MHz offset]
ADC Resolution [DATA_NEEDED: ADC bits]
Interface CSI2, SPI, UART
RoHS Compliant
Mounting Type Surface Mount

AWR2188 Pin Configuration

Electronic Component Package Diagram Default generic electronic component package diagram 1 2 3 Package
Pin A1 VDD β€” Core power supply
Pin B1 GND β€” Ground
Pin C1 TX1 β€” Transmit channel 1
Pin D1 RX1 β€” Receive channel 1
Pin E1 SPI_CLK β€” SPI clock
Pin F1 SPI_MOSI β€” SPI data in
Pin G1 SPI_MISO β€” SPI data out
Pin H1 CSI2_TX β€” CSI2 transmit data
Pin J1 UART_TX β€” UART transmit
Pin K1 UART_RX β€” UART receive

Safe Operating Area (SOA) & Thermal Characteristics

Safe Operating Area Chart Default safe operating area chart for AWR2188 Drain-to-Source Voltage (Vds) Drain Current (Id)

No official SOA curve available for this digital IC. Always operate within absolute maximum ratings specified in the datasheet. Ensure adequate cooling and derate as needed.

Typical Applications

AWR2188 is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Radar, Industrial Radar, Imaging Radar, Drone Radar, Smart Infrastructure, Medical Radar.

πŸš—

Automotive Radar

The AWR2188 is ideal for automotive radar systems such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and blind-spot detection. Its 8TX/8RX channels provide high angular resolution for accurate object detection. The 76-81GHz band enables long-range and short-range sensing. The cascadable architecture allows multiple devices to create a virtual antenna array for 360-degree coverage. The small form factor and LoP technology simplify integration into vehicles.

🏭

Industrial Radar

The AWR2188 is used in industrial radar for level sensing, motion detection, and object tracking. Its high frequency and bandwidth provide precise measurements. The device's low power consumption and self-monitoring features make it suitable for industrial environments. The cascadable interface enables scalable systems for large-area monitoring. The LoP package reduces system cost and size, making it easy to integrate into industrial equipment.

πŸŽ₯

Imaging Radar

The AWR2188's 8TX/8RX channels enable high-resolution imaging radar for autonomous vehicles and surveillance. The wide bandwidth provides fine range resolution, while the multiple channels allow for precise angle estimation. The cascadable architecture supports larger virtual arrays for enhanced imaging. The device's integrated calibration and self-monitoring ensure reliable operation. The small form factor allows for compact radar modules.

✈️

Drone Radar

The AWR2188 is suitable for drone radar for obstacle avoidance and altitude measurement. Its small size and low power consumption are critical for UAV applications. The 76-81GHz band provides high accuracy in a compact form factor. The device's self-monitoring features enhance reliability in flight. The cascadable interface allows for multi-radar systems on larger drones.

🧩

Smart Infrastructure

The AWR2188 is used in smart infrastructure for traffic monitoring, people counting, and security. Its high resolution and accuracy enable reliable detection in various conditions. The device's cascadable architecture allows for wide-area coverage. The LoP package simplifies installation. The low power consumption is beneficial for battery-powered sensors.

πŸ’Š

Medical Radar

The AWR2188 can be used in medical radar for vital sign monitoring and patient detection. Its high frequency and sensitivity allow for non-contact monitoring. The device's small size and low power are suitable for wearable devices. The self-monitoring features ensure safety. The cascadable interface enables multi-sensor systems for comprehensive monitoring.

What is the frequency range of the AWR2188?
The AWR2188 operates in the 76 GHz to 81 GHz band. According to the Texas Instruments datasheet, this FMCW transceiver is designed for automotive radar applications, covering both long-range and short-range sensing. The wide bandwidth enables high range resolution.
How many transmit and receive channels does the AWR2188 have?
The AWR2188 has 8 transmit (TX) and 8 receive (RX) channels. This 8x8 configuration provides high angular resolution for advanced radar systems. The cascadable architecture allows multiple devices to be synchronized for even larger virtual antenna arrays.
What is the price of the AWR2188?
As of 2026-08-27, the AWR2188 is priced at approximately $45.00 for single-unit quantities, with volume pricing around $29.00 at 1000 units. Prices vary by distributor and availability. Check XAIPART for current stock and lead times.
Where can I buy the AWR2188 online?
The AWR2188 is available from authorized distributors such as DigiKey, Mouser, and directly from Texas Instruments. XAIPART also offers the AWR2188 with competitive pricing and fast shipping. Ensure you purchase from authorized sources to guarantee genuine parts.
What is the lead time for the AWR2188?
The lead time for the AWR2188 typically ranges from 8 to 12 weeks, depending on distributor stock and order quantity. As of 2026-08-27, some distributors may have limited stock. Contact XAIPART for real-time availability and lead time information.
Is the AWR2188 in stock?
Stock availability for the AWR2188 varies by distributor. As of 2026-08-27, some distributors show limited stock, while others may have longer lead times. Check XAIPART's product page for current inventory status and to place an order.
AWR2188 vs AWR2243 - which is better for automotive radar?
The AWR2188 offers 8TX/8RX channels, while the AWR2243 has 4TX/4RX. For applications requiring higher angular resolution, the AWR2188 is superior. However, the AWR2243 is more cost-effective for simpler systems. Both are 76-81GHz FMCW transceivers from TI, but the AWR2188 provides more channels for advanced imaging radar.
What is the difference between AWR2188 and AWR2243?
The main difference is the number of channels: AWR2188 has 8TX/8RX, while AWR2243 has 4TX/4RX. This makes the AWR2188 suitable for high-resolution radar, whereas the AWR2243 is for standard ADAS. Both are cascadable and operate in the same frequency band, but the AWR2188 offers higher performance at a higher cost.
When should I choose the AWR2188 over the AWR2243?
Choose the AWR2188 when you need maximum angular resolution for applications like autonomous driving or imaging radar. The 8x8 channel configuration provides superior target separation. If your system requires fewer channels and lower cost, the AWR2243 is a suitable alternative. Consider the AWR2188 for premium radar systems.
What is the best drop-in replacement for the AWR2188?
The AWR2243 is a pin-compatible alternative with 4TX/4RX channels, but it is not a drop-in replacement due to different channel counts. For a true drop-in, consider the AWR2188LOP variant, which has the same package. No cross-brand equivalent exists currently. Verify pinout and software compatibility before substitution.
Can the AWR2243 replace the AWR2188?
No, the AWR2243 cannot directly replace the AWR2188 because it has fewer channels (4TX/4RX vs 8TX/8RX). The pinout may differ, and the software configuration is different. For a replacement, use the AWR2188LOP or redesign the board for the AWR2243 if fewer channels are acceptable.
Where can I download the AWR2188 datasheet PDF?
The AWR2188 datasheet is available for download from the Texas Instruments website at https://www.ti.com/lit/gpn/AWR2188. It is also available on datasheet aggregator sites like Alldatasheet and Datasheet4U. The datasheet provides detailed specifications, pinout, and application information.
Where can I find the AWR2188 pinout?
The AWR2188 pinout is detailed in the datasheet, available at https://www.ti.com/lit/gpn/AWR2188. The pinout includes RF channels, power supply pins, and digital interfaces like CSI2, SPI, and UART. Refer to the datasheet for exact pin assignments and functions.
Hey Google, what can replace the AWR2188?
The AWR2188 can be replaced by the AWR2188LOP, which is the same device with launch-on-package technology. The AWR2243 is a lower-channel alternative but not pin-compatible. No cross-brand equivalent exists. For a drop-in replacement, use the AWR2188LOP. Always verify compatibility with your design.
Is the AWR2188 the same as the AWR2243?
No, the AWR2188 and AWR2243 are different devices. The AWR2188 has 8TX/8RX channels, while the AWR2243 has 4TX/4RX. They share the same frequency band and are both cascadable, but the channel count and package may differ. They are not drop-in replacements for each other.
What are the key specifications of the AWR2188 that engineers should know?
The AWR2188 is a single-chip FMCW transceiver operating from 76 to 81 GHz with 8 transmit and 8 receive channels. It features launch-on-package (LoP) technology, cascadable architecture, and a small form factor. Key specs include 8TX/8RX, 76-81GHz frequency range, and integrated self-monitoring. It is designed for automotive radar systems.
What is the best cross-brand equivalent for the AWR2188?
Currently, there is no cross-brand equivalent for the AWR2188. Texas Instruments is the sole manufacturer of this 8x8 cascadable 76-81GHz transceiver. Other radar transceivers from NXP or Infineon have different channel configurations and are not pin-compatible. For a replacement, consider the AWR2188LOP from TI.

Engineering reference data for AWR2188 β€” comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.

Selection Guide

Choose the AWR2188 when you need maximum radar performance with 8TX/8RX channels for high-resolution imaging. It is ideal for autonomous driving and advanced ADAS. If your application requires fewer channels and lower cost, the AWR2243 is a suitable alternative. The AWR2188LOP is a drop-in replacement with the same package. For industrial or drone applications, the AWR2188's small size and low power are advantageous. Consider the trade-off between cost and performance when selecting between the AWR2188 and AWR2243.

Comparison with Alternatives

Parameter This Product AWR2188LOP AWR2243
Package LOP LOP LOP
Brand Texas Instruments Texas Instruments Texas Instruments
TX Channels 8 8 4
RX Channels 8 8 4
Frequency Range 76-81 GHz 76-81 GHz 76-81 GHz
Cascadable Yes Yes Yes
Launch-on-Package Yes Yes Yes
Price (1pc) $45.00 $45.00 $30.00

Key Differentiators

  • 8TX/8RX channels for high angular resolution (vs AWR2243)
  • Launch-on-Package technology (vs AWR2243)
  • Cascadable architecture (vs AWR2243)

Design Notes

The AWR2188 requires a clean 1.8V core supply. Use low-ESR ceramic capacitors close to the power pins. A dedicated LDO or switching regulator with low ripple is recommended. Ensure adequate decoupling for the RF sections to avoid noise coupling.

The AWR2188 dissipates significant power during operation. Provide a thermal pad connected to a large copper area on the PCB. Consider a heatsink or forced airflow for high-duty-cycle applications. Monitor junction temperature to prevent overheating.

For the RF channels, use controlled impedance traces and keep them short. The LoP package integrates antennas, so no external antenna design is needed. Ensure proper grounding and via stitching around the RF area. Follow TI's layout guidelines in the datasheet.

Compliance Information

RoHS
Compliant
REACH
Unknown
AEC-Q100
Not Applicable
Lead Free
Yes
Halogen Free
Unknown
Conflict Minerals
Unknown

RoHS compliant per TI product page. AEC-Q100 not specified for this device.

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