Example 13: Radar Modules

Low Cost Microwave Radar Modules

For 3, 10, and 24 GHz

This example page showcases 3D EIRP radiation patterns for three popular consumer/hobbyist radar modules. All three are normally used for proximity sensing and intruder detection.

The study of these similarly sized transmitters at 3, 10, and 24 GHz highlights the ability of antennas to achieve directivity when electrically large. The physical size of all three antennas is nearly constant, but the “electrical size” (in terms of wavelength) increases greatly from 3 to 24 GHz.

• The RCWL-0516 radar module transmits at 3 GHz (10 cm wavelength) which allows enough PCB space for a short monopole antenna. This creates a low directivity omnidirectional radiation pattern.
• The HB100 radar module transmits at 10 GHz (3 cm wavelength) which allows enough PCB space for a dual patch array antenna. This creates a modest directivity directional radiation pattern.
• The CDM324 radar module transmits at 24 GHz (1.2 cm wavelength) which allows enough PCB space for a quad patch array antenna. This creates even more directivity and a fairly directional radiation pattern.

To showcase the “live transmitter” antenna patterning capabilities of our antenna testing business, we purchased the three most common hobbyist radar sensors on eBay. The total cost was about $20 for all three. All were tested live with 5 degree spherical (3D) resolution. The spherical integral of each EIRP was also calculated which yields the Total Radiated Power TRP.

Just scroll down to find the test data and image galleries for all three devices.

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RCW-0516 Radar Module at 3 GHz

This inexpensive Doppler radar module is designed for intrusion or motion detection. It’s EIRP pattern from its monopole antenna is fairly omni-directional. Since the Occupied Channel Bandwidth is a whopping 235 MHz, care was needed to properly quantify the EIRP using a spectrum analyzer. Energy is emitted from 2964 to 3200 MHz

We have uploaded the device’s data sheet and you can download it HERE.

Our EIRP data in Excel format can be downloaded HERE.

The 3D plot-file may be downloaded HERE and used with our 3D Plotting Software.

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HB100 Radar Module at 10 GHz

This inexpensive Doppler radar module is designed for motion detection. It’s EIRP pattern from its two patch array is directional.

We have uploaded the devices data sheet and you can download it HERE.

Our EIRP data in Excel format can be downloaded HERE.

The 3D plot-file may be downloaded HERE and used with our 3D Plotting Software.

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CDM324 Radar Module at 24 GHz

This inexpensive Doppler radar module is designed for motion detection. It’s EIRP pattern from its quad patch array is much directional than the previous two modules.

We have uploaded the devices data sheet and you can download it HERE.

Our EIRP data in Excel format can be downloaded HERE.

The 3D plot-file may be downloaded HERE and used with our 3D Plotting Software.

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