In this article, we will look at how low-power 77GHz radar sensors can help achieve reliable and accurate sensing in other challenging applications.、
Radar sensors in the 77GHz band are typically used in advanced driver assistance system sensing applications such as blind spot detection and automatic emergency braking, and in level transmitters for industrial tanks.Today, however, the demand for proximity and distance sensing in off-highway vehicles, e-bikes, bicycles and parking lot gates is increasing.In the above applications, these sensors can help to achieve a safer working environment and improve comfort and efficiency during operation.
Industrial Level Sensors
Accurate and reliable 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 utilizing millimeter wave radar in the 77GHz band help achieve high accuracy and resolution, even in challenging environments with complex reflections and interference.
The biggest advantage of radar sensors over older technologies is the ability to measure corrosive, abrasive or viscous substances without contact.With an operating bandwidth of 76 GHz to 81 GHz, these sensors reliably detect small changes in substance levels and provide accurate measurements at long distances, in turbulent currents, foams, steam, dust, water vapor, temperature variations, or under humid conditions.The wide bandwidth allows for a larger gap between the start and end frequencies of the radar's linear FM pulses, allowing for improved distance resolution.As a result, radar sensors help to improve safety in industrial environments by enabling remote level detection without the need for personnel to physically enter hazardous or hard-to-reach areas.For battery-powered operation, the low-power radar's battery life can last for years without maintenance.
The IWRL1432 is a 77GHz band radar device that utilizes a low power architecture to enable accurate sensing in these applications.With a built-in deep sleep mode, the IWRL1432 consumes <4mJ per measurement, providing long battery life.With an output power of 11dBm per transmitter, these sensors can achieve measurement ranges from 3cm to over 80m.No additional microcontroller is required as the hardware gas pedal and microcontroller are fully integrated into a small package.Figure 1 shows an industrial liquid tank utilizing a radar sensor for level detection.
E-bikes and bicycles
In recent years, e-bikes have gained popularity as an efficient and sustainable mode of transportation.However, whether riding an e-bike or a regular bicycle, accidents can easily occur when pedestrians or other vehicles on the road have difficulty spotting the rider (especially in conditions such as low light and foggy days).
Radar sensors such as the IWRL1432 enhance rider safety by providing forward or rearward proximity warnings or collision detection.Radar sensors can warn riders or people in approaching vehicles of a possible collision through visual or audible signals.Figure 2 illustrates a scenario where a radar sensor can enhance rider safety.
Parking lot gate sensor
Sensor technology plays a vital role in providing efficient and safe parking lot access control.Infrared and ultrasonic sensors are installed near entrances or exits of parking lots to detect the presence of vehicles.However, such sensors not only have a limited detection range, but are 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 a wider field of view (150 degrees), enabling access control over longer distances and wider entrances.These sensors also perform well in harsh environmental conditions such as rain and extreme temperatures.Radar sensors can distinguish between vehicles and pedestrians to ensure that they only open when a vehicle is detected.In addition, 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 utilize radar sensors to provide valuable information and assist in various tasks.They can detect nearby obstacles such as trees and other mechanical equipment, helping to avoid collisions when maneuvering large, bulky equipment.Radar sensors are also capable of measuring true ground speed, which is important on uneven, loose terrain and muddy ground.From people and obstacle detection to ground speed measurement, to providing Safety Integrity Level 2 sensing capability in the 77GHz range, the IWRL1432 radar sensor can help improve the operational efficiency and safety of off-highway vehicles.
Concluding remarks
With the 77GHz radar sensor IWRL1432, designers can meet the challenges of a variety of sensing applications such as industrial level sensors, e-bikes, parking lot gates, and off-highway vehicles.This low-power sensor helps you realize efficient and high-performance sensing solutions by maintaining reliable operation in a wide range of environmental conditions with a wide field of view and high accuracy.
