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mmWave Radar Sensor Introdution

Welcome to discover Seeed Studio's mmWave Radar Sensors. This page is designed to be a comprehensive source of information, guiding you through all aspects of these sensors.

Here, you can find details about product parameters, including operating frequencies, transmit power, motion and presence ranges, and detection angles. We also present straightforward installation methods such as top-mounting, side-mounting, and inclined installation. Additionally, we explore various application scenarios across automotive safety, smart home, and healthcare. Our mmWave Radar Sensors are suitable for a wide range of projects, providing you with reliable sensing solutions.

mmWave Radar Principle

Millimeter Wave (mmWave) radar uses Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar techniques to detect objects and their velocity, range, and angle. The FMCW radar continuously transmits a frequency-modulated signal and receives the reflected signals from objects. By analyzing the difference between the transmitted and received frequencies, the radar can determine the distance (range) and relative speed (velocity) of objects. This principle allows mmWave radar to detect fine movements, provide high accuracy, and function effectively in various environmental conditions such as rain, fog, or dust.

Schematic Diagram of Millimeter Wave Frequency Band, credit: EverythingRF

Different types of mmWave Radar Sensors

Millimeter-wave (mmWave) radar sensors are capable of detecting objects, measuring their distance, speed, and angle, and can penetrate various materials such as plastic, clothing, and drywall, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. In Seeed, We have leveraged the power of mmWave to come up with various sensors that can perform a variety of actions, such as fall detection and sleep breathing monitoring.

Our range of mmWave Radar Sensors are shown below, each with different features and functions.

XIAO 60GHz mmWave Human Fall Detection Sensor MR60FDA2XIAO 60GHz mmWave Human Breathing and Heartbeat Sensor MR60BHA224Ghz mmwave Human Static Presence Sensor for XIAOmmWave Human Detection Sensor Kit MR24HPC124GHz mmWave Human Static Presence Sensor Module MR24HPC1 Lite
XIAO 60GHz mmWave Human Fall Detection Sensor MR60FDA2XIAO 60GHz mmWave Human Breathing and Heartbeat Sensor MR60BHA224Ghz mmwave Human Static Presence Sensor for XIAOmmWave Human Detection Sensor Kit MR24HPC124GHz mmWave Human Static Presence Sensor Module MR24HPC1 Lite
Main FunctionFall DetectionBreathing and Heartbeat DetectionHuman DetectionHuman DetectionHuman Detection
Operating Frequency60GHz60GHz24GHz24GHz24GHz
Transmit Power///8dBm8dBm
Transmission and reception countsTwo transmissions and two receptionsTwo transmissions and two receptionsOne transmission and one receptionOne transmission and one receptionOne transmission and one reception
Motion Range6m6m6m5m5m
Presence Range3m1.5m4m4m4m
Detection Angle120x100°120x100°60×60°90×60°90×60°
Operating Voltage5V5V5V4.5-6V4.5-6V
Pins Spacing2.54mm2.54mm2.54mm2.00mm2.00mm
Size (WxH)30x48mm30x48mm22x18mm35x30mm35x30mm
Installation MethodTop installationSide installation or inclined installationNo requirementsNo requirementsNo requirements
ESPHome SupportNative Firmware SupportNative Firmware SupportGuideGitHubGitHub
CategorySensor with XIAO ESP32C6 as the MCUSensor with XIAO ESP32C6 as the MCUModule, compatible with XIAO (pins to pins)Sensor with XIAO ESP32C3 as the MCUModule, compatible with XIAO, Arduino (via jumper wire)
Availability$24.9 at Seeed Stduio$24.9 at Seeed Stduio$4.49 at Seeed Studio$26.99 at Seeed Stduio$6.9 at Seeed Studio

Comparison of Different Parameters of mmWave Radars Sensors

Comparison of the Human Presence Detection Functions between mmWave Radar Sensors and Other Sensors

mmWave Radars SensorCameraUltrasonic SensorLiDAR (Laser Radar)Passive Infrared Sensor (PIR)
PrivacyNon-visual detection, hidden signal frequency band, low risk of data leakageCollects images containing a large amount of private information, prone to leakageDoes not involve the collection of private images, but the signal is easily detectableThe scanned data can expose scene information, with a risk of leakageDoes not involve the collection of private images, but the signal is easily detectable
CostModerateThe cost varies based on resolution and functions, with some types being relatively highLow costHigh cost of equipment and maintenanceLow cost
PrecisionHigh precision, capable of accurately detecting the distance, speed and angle of the targetGreatly affected by lighting and resolutionLimited precision in short-distance detectionHigh-precision 3D imaging, but affected by the environmentLow detection precision, can only determine movement
StabilityNot affected by lighting and temperature, with stable performanceRestricted by lighting conditions, poor performance in low lightEasily affected by environmental noiseGreatly affected by adverse weatherEasily affected by environmental factors such as heat sources

The comparison table highlights mmWave radar's advantages over cameras, ultrasonic sensors, LiDAR, and PIR sensors. It offers stable performance in diverse environments, making it effective for fall detection, respiratory and heart rate monitoring, and human presence detection. Additionally, mmWave radar protects privacy by not capturing identifiable images, ensuring user confidentiality.

Comparison of 24 GHz and 60 GHz

The 24 GHz and 60 GHz millimeter-wave radars differ significantly in their characteristics. The 24 GHz radar offers strong penetration and a longer detection range, making it effective for human presence detection, particularly in automotive radar systems. In contrast, the 60 GHz radar, with weaker penetration but higher angular resolution, is ideal for precise applications like fall detection and heart rate monitoring, commonly found in smart home devices. Ultimately, selecting the right frequency depends on specific application needs, including detection range and target characteristics.

Comparison of the Human Presence Detection Functions between mmWave Radar Sensors

Supports Human Presence DetectionComparison of the Effect of Human Presence Detection
24GHz mmWave for XIAOThis product offers human presence detection and is ready to use out of the box, meeting basic needs. Users can quickly achieve a relatively stable detection effect
MR24HPC1 LiteThis product features human presence detection, allowing users with hands-on skills to adjust underlying parameters for optimal performance in complex scenarios. However, its detection accuracy is slightly lower than that of the 24GHz mmWave for XIAO when operated directly
MR60FDA2The human presence detection feature is not the main function; it is primarily used as an auxiliary to support fall detection
MR60BHA2The human presence detection feature is not the main function; it is primarily used as an auxiliary to support the respiratory rate and heart rate detection detection

The 24GHz mmWave for XIAO is designed for users seeking convenience and fast access. It offers features like human presence detection and motion detection, all controllable via a Bluetooth mobile app. Ready to use out of the box, it simplifies setup and allows users to quickly benefit from its capabilities. Here’s the Bluetooth app interface:

The MR24HPC1 Lite is designed for hands-on users, featuring human presence, motion, and speed detection, with a focus on customizable parameter adjustments for various scenarios. Users can achieve optimal detection results by adjusting the correct parameters, but must carefully read the documentation to fully utilize its customization options. Below is the operation interface for its upper computer:

mmWave Radar Sensor: Typical Application Scenarios in our Life

mmWave radar sensors are utilized in a variety of innovative projects across different industries. Here are a few examples:

  • Automotive Safety Systems: Enhancing driver assistance systems with features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot detection.
  • Smart Home Devices: Using radar sensors for gesture recognition, presence detection, and monitoring vital signs without physical contact.
  • Industrial Automation: Implementing radar for monitoring machinery, detecting human presence in hazardous areas, and improving safety in automated environments.
  • Healthcare Applications: Monitoring patients' vital signs, detecting falls, and providing non-invasive diagnostic tools.
  • Drone Navigation: Enabling drones to avoid obstacles, navigate autonomously, and perform precision landings.

These projects demonstrate the versatility and potential of mmWave radar technology in transforming various fields through improved sensing and automation capabilities.

Certainly, you can also connect our mmWave radar sensor module to HomeAssistant. Here are some usage examples:

Installation method of mmWave Radar Sensors

Method 1: Top installation. Top-mounted hanging height 2.2-3.0m, maximum sensing radius 2m, the side with the mmWave sensor needs to align with the direction of detection.

Applicable to: MR60FDA2, MR24HPC1, 24GHz mmWave XIAO

note

The installation height threshold of MR60FDA2 is between 2.4 and 3.0 meters, and the height threshold for detecting falls is between 0 and 0.6 meters.

Method 2: Side installation. Side-mounted, it is recommended that the radar installation height be consistent with the chest height of the person being measured, and the module position and chest position ≤ 1.5m.

Applicable to: MR60BHA2, MR24HPC1, 24GHz mmWave XIAO

Method 3: inclined installation. For sleep breathing and heart rate detection needs, an inclined installation method can be adopted. The radar is required to be installed at a height of 1m directly above the head of the bed, tilted downward at 45° towards the middle of the bed, and the distance between the radar and the chest cavity is controlled to be within 1.5m. The radar normal direction is aligned with the main detection position to ensure that the radar can detect respiratory and heartbeat data.

Applicable to: MR60BHA2, MR24HPC1, 24GHz mmWave XIAO

note

Please use this module in an open space, and stay out of the following scenarios within the detecting range to prevent interference with the module:

  • Multiple radars installed too close together
  • Wind moves curtains and sways plants
  • Water flow and water film
  • Large areas of metal and mirror reflections
  • Detection through glass and thin wooden boards
  • Installation location prone to vibrations
  • Use of low-quality power supplies

Open Source the Seeed Studio mmWave Radar Sensors

Seeed Studio MR60FDA2 mmWave kit Open-Source Materials

Seeed Studio MR60BHA2 mmWave kit Open-Source Materials

Seeed Studio 24GHz mmWave for XIAO Open-Source Materials

Seeed Studio MR24HPC1 mmWave kit Open-Source Materials

Version 1

Version 2

Seeed Studio 24GHz mmWave Sensor MR24HPC1 Open-Source Materials

note

The raw data and algorithms in the Seeed Studio mmWave Radar Sensors are non-open source. Thank you for your understanding and support!

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