Which objects can be detected by the radar sensor?

Whether and how reliably an object can be detected by the radar sensor depends on the radar cross section (RCS) of the object to be detected. RCS is a measure of how well a target is detectable by radar, i.e. how much of the emitted energy is reflected by a target. The higher the RCS value, the greater the reflectivity and therefore the visibility of the target. The RCS value is dependent on factors such as material, size and angle of incidence, but not on the distance of the reflection target.

Up to what distance can the radar sensor detect an object?

The range of a radar sensor is dependent on the radar cross section (RCS) of the object to be detected. Large, metallic objects (high RCS value), for example, can be detected at a distance of up to 50 metres, whereas a person (low RCS value) can be detected only at a distance of up to 15 metres.

What is the difference between RCS and power?

Power is the energy reflected by an object, which decreases with increasing distance. The RCS value (radar cross section) is an object-specific variable and a describes how visible an object is for radar. The RCS value, unlike the power, is independent of the distance and typically always the same (+/- 3dB). The radar cross-section depends upon a range of parameters, such as material, surface structure and object size.

Do the sensors interfere with each other?

The radar sensors work using the method of frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar. This means they emit a continuous, frequency-modulated signal. For two radar sensors to interfere with each other, they would have to undergo exactly the same frequency modulation at the same time. However, as the sensors operate with a modulation over 4 GHz, this is extremely unlikely.

How large is the opening angle of the radar sensor?

Horizontal Vertical R1D100 / R1D102 40° 30° R1D200 40° 20°

Why are there 2 different frequency ranges?

There is no global standard of which frequencies can be used for which applications and it may vary from one country to the next. Nevertheless, to allow maximum flexibility the radar sensors are available with a base frequency of 60 GHz or 77 GHz. This allows wide market coverage. The product dimensions and operation of the sensor are always the same for both frequencies.

How close can targets be in order to still be detected as separate ones?

How well two close targets can be distinguished from each other is determined by the distance resolution / separation efficiency of the radar and largely dependent on the bandwidth used. The greater the bandwidth, the better adjacent targets can be detected individually. In standard operating mode the radar sensors have a distance resolution of 100 mm.

Radar technology
Radar distance sensor

Radar sensor measures distance, position and speed, even in poor visibility.

Reliable detection in harsh environments

Whether in rain, snow, strong wind, dust or extreme temperatures: the radar sensor detects objects accurately and reliably under all these conditions. This is ensured both by the robust radar technology and by the various operating modes with which the sensor can be adjusted precisely to the respective application, as well as the high resistance to shocks and vibrations.

What advantages does the radar sensor offer?

Everything at a glance
Reliable detection, even in poor visibility

Robust
Ideal for demanding environments and outdoor applications, owing to weather-independent detection and a wide temperature range

Flexibly adjustable
Various operating modes allow long ranges or a precise resolution in the millimetre range

Easy set-up
Intuitive configuration as well as clear visualisation of the measured data on the IT level using the ifm Vision Assistant or ifm moneo

International availability
Two different frequency ranges allow use in many parts of the world

Applications for radar distance sensors

Conveyor monitoring
Non-contact, simultaneous detection of the loading height and speed of a conveyor belt

Vehicle positioning
Detection of vehicles in car washes or during docking operations at loading and unloading ramps

Distance control and height measurement
Reliable detection of distances from the ground or plants even in dusty environments

Monitoring of surroundings and collision avoidance
Early detection of obstacles in the surroundings of a moving vehicle and assistance to the driver in monitoring poorly visible areas

Smart access control
Automatic opening and closing of gates and barriers with cross traffic masking

System connection

Added value thanks to IO-Link

Output of multiple measured values
Simultaneous, non-contact detection of object distance, speed and movement direction
Plug & work
Intuitive set-up and continuous output of measured data
Improvement of system availability
Condition monitoring of the sensor orientation thanks to the output of inclination values.
The data storage function additionally allows quick and smooth device replacement without new parameter setting.

Radar spot calculator

FAQs on radar distance sensors

Products

R1D102 radar distance sensor; radio approval for USA; Canada; Angle of aperture (vertical / horizontal) 30 / 40; Dimensions 80 x 80 x 45 mm; Range 35 m; DC; PNP/NPN; switching signal; IO-Link; analogue signal; M12 Connector; IP 65; IP 66; IP 67; IP 69K; (with mounted connectors or protective caps); Ambient temperature -40...80 °C

Radar sensor measures distance, position and speed, even in poor visibility.

Reliable detection in harsh environments

What advantages does the radar sensor offer?

Applications for radar distance sensors

System connection

Added value thanks to IO-Link

Radar spot calculator

FAQs on radar distance sensors

Products

Radar distance sensors