Summary of DFROBOT’S NEW 24GHZ MMWAVE RADAR SENSOR MODULE
This article introduces DFRobot's new 24GHz millimeter-wave radar sensor, a contactless technology designed for human presence detection. It utilizes FMCW and CW radio waves to identify moving, micro-moving, or stationary humans, including those sleeping. The sensor operates between 30GHz and 300GHz, offering sub-mm accuracy, high resolution, and the ability to penetrate materials like plastic and clothing without being affected by weather conditions.
Parts used in the DFRobot 24GHz Millimeter-Wave Radar Sensor Project:
- DFRobot 24GHz millimeter-wave radar sensor
- FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) radio waves
- CW radio waves
- MMIC circuit
- Data algorithms
Human presence detection is essential for safety, security, or other reasons. There are various software and hardware technologies and methods for detecting the presence of a human body in an area of interest (AOI). Among those techniques, Radar technology is one of the widely used techniques if the aim is to detect only the presence of a human. As we all know, radar is a system that uses radio waves for the detection of an object and to determine its distance, velocity, and angle. A radar system consists of a transmitter that transmits electromagnetic waves (generally microwave). The waves transmitted reflect off the object and return to the receiver, giving information about the object’s location and speed. The radar technology can also detect the unique signature of a human’s breathing pattern and heartbeat.
The mmWave (millimeter-wave) Radar sensors are very accurate. It is a contactless technology that operates in the spectrum between 30GHz and 300GHz. Due to the small wavelengths, it can provide sub-mm range accuracy and can penetrate certain materials such as plastic, drywall, clothing. Further, it is not affected by environmental conditions such as rain, fog, dust, and snow. Due to short wavelengths, this radar sensor provides high resolution, and the antenna required is relatively small.
DFRobot’s new 24GHz millimeter-wave radar sensor can sense human presence within the detection area. Moreover, it can even detect static or stationary humans, such as a sleeping person.
The DFRobot radar sensor’s wiki page shares information about the working of this sensor. Firstly, the sensor transmits FMCW(Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) and CW radio waves to the sensing area. Secondly, the waves get reflected by all targets which are in moving, micro-moving, or weak moving state in the area. The waves are converted into electrical signals by the MMIC circuit in the sensor. These signals are then processed with the help of data algorithms.
Read more: DFROBOT’S NEW 24GHZ MMWAVE RADAR SENSOR MODULE
- How does the DFRobot radar sensor detect humans?
The sensor transmits FMCW and CW radio waves that reflect off targets and are converted into electrical signals by an MMIC circuit for processing. - Can this sensor detect stationary humans?
Yes, it can detect static or stationary humans, such as a sleeping person. - What frequency range does mmWave radar operate in?
It operates in the spectrum between 30GHz and 300GHz. - Does environmental weather affect this radar technology?
No, it is not affected by environmental conditions such as rain, fog, dust, and snow. - What materials can the sensor waves penetrate?
The waves can penetrate certain materials such as plastic, drywall, and clothing. - What level of accuracy does the small wavelength provide?
The small wavelengths provide sub-mm range accuracy. - What specific human signatures can radar technology detect?
Radar technology can detect the unique signature of a human's breathing pattern and heartbeat. - Why is the antenna size relatively small for this sensor?
The short wavelengths allow for the use of a relatively small antenna while maintaining high resolution.
