The Grove – Doppler Radar is based on the BGT24LTR11 Silicon Germanium MMIC which is a 24GHz radar transceiver. It is driven by an XMC1302 MCU based on Arm® Cortex®-M0. This comes in a compact package and runs on very low power, providing high-precision measurements.

The high frequency of this module allows for high penetration though objects and therefore this module does not need to be exposed outside when deploying, but rather behind an object. This, in turn, is extremely useful in security systems. Also, this is able to operate in harsh weather conditions such as high temperatures, dust, and rain.

How Does Doppler Radar Technology Work in This Module?

Doppler radar works by sending a beam of electromagnetic radiation waves from the transmitter (TX Antenna), with a precise frequency, at a moving object.

Once the electromagnetic radiation wave comes in contact with an object, it travels back towards the receiver (RX Antenna). However, when the wave got reflected from the moving object, the wave now has a different frequency compared to the original frequency, it emitted.

Then the change in this frequency can be used to calculate the velocity of the moving object.

How About For Stationary Objects?

For stationary objects, this module works in the same principle as ToF where the calculation is done based on the time and speed of the electromagnetic waves. However, the measurements are more precise and offer higher detection ranges when compared with ultrasonic and LiDAR-based sensors. Also, it offers a fast response because electromagnetic waves travel faster than sound waves. The angle/direction to objects can be calculated by using the phase difference of the waves at the antennas.

More Possibilities for Advanced Users

The Grove – Doppler Radar module is designed so that the pinouts are broken out from the MCU and the MMIC to enable advanced users to tinker with this module.

Also, the onboard LED indicators can help users to identify whether the objects are moving towards or away from the module. When the object moves towards the radar, it indicates "NEAR" and when the object moves away from the radar, it shows "AWAY".

Features :

First Radar-Based Sensor in the Grove Family
Compact Size for easy deployment
Light-Weight Design, suitable for UAV applications
Low Power Consumption for prolonged usage
24GHz Transceiver MMIC for high-precision measurements
Fast Response using electromagnetic waves
ESD Protection to avoid system failures caused by ESD strikes
High Penetration which allows it to be deployed behind an object
Maintains operation through harsh weather conditions (temperature, light, dust, rain)