RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Sensor

Description

The RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Sensor module has been designed as an alternative to the common PIR motion sensors widely used in burglar alarms and security lights. Like the PIR sensor, this sensor also detects only movements within its detection range.

But instead of sniffing the blackbody radiation from a moving person, this sensor uses a “microwave Doppler radar” technique to detect moving objects. It has a sensitivity range of ~7 meters. When triggered, its TTL-level output (OUT) pin will switch from LOW (0 V) to HIGH (3.3 V) for a finite time (2 to 3 s) before returning to its idle (LOW) state.

This flexible sensor module can easily be used in conjunction with many microcontrollers and even without a microcontroller at all. It can handle power supply inputs anywhere from 4 to 28 V.

The output pin can be utilized for a multitude of tasks, such as for driving an aural/visual indicator or even linking with the I/O of any 3-V microcontroller for further processing. During construction, avoid any metal part in front of the sensor module. Similarly, always keep a minimum of 1-cm clear space on the front and rear side of the module.

Key Features:

• Supply Voltage: 4–28 VDC (tested with 5 V at my lab)
• Operating frequency: ~3.2 GHz (observed by me at my lab)
• Transmit power: 20 mW (typical)/30 mW (max)
• Sensing Distance: 5–7 m (>3 m measured at my lab)

Pinouts:

• CDS — Sensor disable input (low = disable)
• VIN — 4- to 28-V DC supply input
• OUT — HIGH (3.3 V) motion detected/LOW (0 V) idle
• GND — Ground/0 V
• 3V3 — Regulated DC output (100 mA max)

Learn more about RCWL-0516