Technical information｜Using low-power 77GHz radar sensors to improve transportation and industrial design

Latest update time：2023-12-09

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In a previous technical article, "How Low-Power 60GHz Millimeter Wave Radar Sensors Enable High-Accuracy Sensing in More Applications ," we discussed how 60GHz millimeter-wave (mmWave) radar sensors enable high-accuracy sensing in industrial and consumer electronics applications. Sensing. In this article, we explore how low-power 77GHz radar sensors can help achieve reliable and accurate sensing in other challenging applications.

Radar sensors in the 77GHz band are commonly used in advanced driver assistance system sensing applications such as blind spot detection and automatic emergency braking, and in level transmitters for industrial fluid tanks. But today, there is an increasing need for proximity and distance sensing in off-highway vehicles, e-bikes, bicycles and parking lot gates . In the above applications, these sensors can help achieve a safer working environment and increase comfort and efficiency during operations.

Industrial liquid level sensor

Accurate and reliable liquid level measurement is critical for the oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical, drinking water and wastewater management, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and mining industries. Radar sensors using 77GHz band millimeter wave radar help achieve high accuracy and resolution, even in challenging environments with complex reflections and interference.

The biggest advantage of radar sensors compared to older technologies is the ability to perform non-contact measurements of corrosive, abrasive or viscous substances. Operating in a bandwidth of 76GHz to 81GHz, these sensors reliably detect small changes in material levels and provide precise measurements over long distances, turbulence, foam, steam, dust, water vapor, temperature changes or moisture conditions. The wide bandwidth allows a larger gap between the start and end frequencies of the radar chirp, thereby improving range resolution. Radar sensors therefore help improve safety in industrial environments, enabling remote level detection without requiring personnel to physically enter hazardous or hard-to-reach areas. For battery-powered operation, the battery life of the low-power radar can last for many years without maintenance.

IWRL1432 is a 77GHz band radar device that uses a low-power architecture to achieve accurate sensing in such applications. With a built-in deep sleep mode, the IWRL1432 consumes <4mJ per measurement, thus providing long battery life. Each transmitter in these sensors has an output power of 11dBm, enabling measurement ranges from 3cm to over 80m. Since the hardware accelerator and microcontroller are fully integrated into a small package, there is no need for an additional microcontroller. Figure 1 shows an industrial liquid tank using radar sensors for liquid level detection.

Figure 1: Industrial liquid tank

Electric bikes and bicycles

In recent years, e-bikes have exploded in popularity as an efficient and sustainable mode of transportation. However, whether you are riding an electric bicycle or an ordinary bicycle, accidents are likely to occur when pedestrians or other vehicles on the road have difficulty spotting the rider (especially in low light, foggy weather, etc.).

Radar sensors like the IWRL1432 improve rider safety by providing forward or rear-facing proximity warning or collision detection capabilities. Radar sensors can warn riders or people in approaching vehicles via visual or audible signals to alert them of a possible collision. Figure 2 shows a scenario where a radar sensor can improve rider safety.

Figure 2: Radar sensors help riders improve safety

Parking lot barrier sensor

Sensor technology plays a vital role in providing efficient and safe parking access control. Infrared and ultrasonic sensors will be installed near the entrance or exit of the parking lot to detect the presence of vehicles. However, such sensors not only have a limited detection range, but are also often inaccurate in the presence of dust, temperature changes or sound waves.

Radar sensors such as the IWRL1432 overcome these limitations by providing a wider detection range (>10m) and wider field of view (150 degrees), enabling access control at longer distances and at wider entrances and exits. Such sensors perform equally well in harsh environmental conditions such as rain and extreme temperatures. Radar sensors can differentiate between vehicles and pedestrians to ensure that they only switch on when a vehicle is detected. Additionally, radar sensors can be easily integrated into access control systems, access controllers and parking management software.

off-highway vehicles

Agricultural machinery, construction equipment and other off-highway vehicles use radar sensors to provide valuable information and assist in various tasks. They can detect nearby obstacles, such as trees and other machinery, helping avoid collisions when maneuvering large, bulky equipment. The radar sensor is also capable of measuring true ground speed, which is important on uneven, loose terrain and muddy ground. From person and obstacle detection to ground speed measurement to providing Safety Integrity Level 2 sensing capabilities in the 77GHz range, the IWRL1432 radar sensor can help improve the operational efficiency and safety of off-highway vehicles.

Conclusion

The 77GHz radar sensor IWRL1432 enables designers to address challenges in a variety of sensing applications such as industrial liquid level sensors, e-bikes, parking gates and off-highway vehicles. This low-power sensor maintains reliable operation in a wide range of environmental conditions, and offers a wide field of view and high accuracy, helping you implement efficient and high-performance sensing solutions.