Radar sensors are a key technology that is rapidly evolving. In many areas, we are benefiting from innovative sensor solutions. But what is radar and how does the technology work?
On this page, we would like to give you some insight into the world of radar sensors, explain this complex technology in greater detail, and provide some of our expertise.
1.1 What is radar?
RADAR stands for ‘Radio Detection And Ranging’ and is an active transmission and reception method in the microwave GHz range. Radar sensors are used for contactless detection, tracking, and positioning of one or more objects by means of electromagnetic waves.
1.2 How does radar detection work?
The radar antenna emits a signal in the form of radar waves, which move at the speed of light and are not perceivable by humans. When the waves hit objects, the signal changes and is reflected back to the sensor – similarly to an echo. The signal arriving at the antenna contains information about the detected object. The received signal is then processed in order to identify and position the object using the data collected. In a second step, it is possible to emit a pulse to trigger a reaction.
Contactless: The radar detection measuring principle involves no contact at all. The sensor doesn’t have to have direct contact with a material or object being detected. Radar reliably measures and detects even at a long distance.
Anonymous: Radar sensors are used for industrial and automotive applications and don’t produce images. They merely form a sort of cloud of dots, which gives a rough indication of objects’ contours and the infrastructure of the surroundings. Contrary to with a camera, people are not identifiable.
Comprehensive data: Radar sensors detect movements and stationary objects. After signal processing, the data received through the reflection provides a variety of information about the detected objects, vehicles, animals, or persons. Data such as direction of movement, speed, distance, and angular position in relation to the sensor are available.
Multi-dimensional detection: Depending on its modulation, radar collects extensive data about its environment. This enables sensors to also record the environment in three dimensions, like a human eye.
Wide range variability: Radar waves spread freely in space or in the air. Depending on the sensor’s technical development and purpose, extreme ranges can be achieved if necessary. For commercial applications, the coverage range usually varies from one centimetre to a few hundred meters.
Material penetration: The electromagnetic waves of radar sensors penetrate various materials. Plastics, in particular, are very well-suited for covering or designing a radome – a dome-shaped protective casing for the antenna. It allows the sensors to be integrated discreetly into a product design.
Based on radar’s properties, the technology offers certain advantages for its respective application.
- is independent from weather conditions
- tolerates extreme heat and cold
- works even despite overexposure and bad lighting conditions
- works in the dark
- is maintenance-free
- offers a great range of functions,
for example measurement of distance & speed, tracking, positioning of objects, determination of ETA, object classification, people count
- is suitable for indoor & outdoor use
- can be used for many applications
InnoSenT’s radar products also boast a compact design and easy integration.