A comprehensive study about low-cost and limited bandwidth FMCW bio-radar: detailed analyses on vital signs measurements

Abstract

In this study, a bio-radar system has been constituted using a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar with low cost and limited bandwidth, taking into account of the lack of range the continuous wave (CW) radar. The displacement and vibration frequencies have been determined at a distance of 3.5-5 m for single and multiple targets via the help of the target test mechanism. Then, the detection of vital signs has been achieved with healthy human subject measurements. For a single human subject, respiration rate (RR) errors at 3.5 m and 5 m distances are 4% and 4.42%, respectively, and 13.25% and 15.16% for heartbeat rate (HR). In multiple targets measurements, although targets do not create an obstacle to each other, a slight deterioration has been observed in the signals and the error rates increase. The results show that bio-radar have a promising future to replace contact devices in medical applications.