Various examples of methods and systems are provided for vibrational frequency detection (e.g., noncontact vital sign detection) using digitally assisted low intermediate frequency (IF) architectures. In one example, a transceiver system is configured to transmit a modulated signal generated by modulating a local oscillator (LO) signal with an IF carrier; generate an IF signal by down converting a received signal comprising backscatter with the LO signal; and simultaneously sample the IF carrier and the IF signal. A vibration frequency can be determined by demodulating the sampled IF signal with the sampled IF carrier. In another example, a method includes generating and transmitting a modulated signal; receiving backscatter of the modulated signal; generating an IF signal by down converting the received signal with the LO signal; simultaneously sampling the IF carrier and the IF signal; and determining a vibration frequency by demodulating the sampled IF signal with the sampled IF carrier.