Question 1

1. How does weather affect the sensor?

Accepted Answer

In general, the radar sensor works very well in all weather conditions such as snow, rain, fog, smoke, dusty environments etc. However, the electromagnetic waves cannot penetrate through very dense rain. The range of the sensor will be reduced in extreme stormy weather.

Question 2

2. Can I use the radar sensor for level applications?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the R1Dxxx series of radar sensor can be used to monitor both liquid and bulk material level. However, the specified accuracy of the sensor is 5mm. For level application with high accuracy requirements, choose other solutions. The sensor is also not designed for sanitary applications. Check out our LW series level sensor for these types of level applications.

Question 3

3. Can I change the radar spot size (ROI) of the R1D sensor?

Accepted Answer

No, radar spot cannot be changed for R1D. It is fixed at 40° x 30°. The spot (ROI) is determined by the installation height and monitoring range. Refer to the spot calculator tool.

Question 4

4. Will multiple radar sensors in one installation be affected by crosstalk?

Accepted Answer

No, the radar sensors in one installation will not cross talk with each other. The sensor uses Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave technology, and the bandwidth of ifm’s radar sensor is 4GHz. Since the frequency is always changing between 60…64GHz (industrial application) or 77…81GHz (mobile application), it is impossible for the radar to cross talk.

Question 5

5. Does the R1D sensor have functional safety features?

Accepted Answer

No. The sensors are not rated for funtional safety.

Question 6

6. Can I use the R1D sensor in hazardous areas?

Accepted Answer

No. The sensors are not explosion proof. Do not use in hazardous locations.

Question 7

7. How do I measure true distance to a conveyor belt when the sensor is mounted at an angle?

Accepted Answer

Similar to true ground speed calculation, the true distance can be calculated.

d_real = d_radar x sin α

Note: The calculated distance is not as accurate as the directly measured value.

Question 8

8. How do I measure true ground speed?

Accepted Answer

The R1D sensor uses the Doppler effect to measure speed. For proper detection, the sensor must be mounted at an angle to the ground. Otherwise, there is no compression / expansion of the electromagnetic wave for the sensor to detect. Thanks to its integrated inclination sensor, it detects its own pitch angle and outputs it to the control system. You can use this information to calculate the real velocity relative to the ground.

v_real = v_radar ÷ cos α

R1D narrow beam distance sensor: FAQs