Radar sensors

Today’s most innovative radar sensors are transforming this technology’s capabilities in mobile and industrial applications. Advances in resolution, precision, recognition, and object filtering enhance radar sensor efficacy in positioning, level detection, distance measurement, object detection, and collision avoidance. 

Older radar sensors are environmentally-robust, but they often can't match the precision and detail of 3D cameras or newer laser/LiDAR or ultrasonic systems. Meanwhile. those newer technologies struggle in harsh environments and certain applications. 

Now, cutting-edge radar sensors detect smaller objects with superior range resolution and millimeter-level accuracy. They feature 4Ghz bandwidth and frequency-modulating controlled wave (FMCW) . Patented smart filtering algorithms quickly and easily identify an unprecedented range of materials and objects.

These innovations retain radar’s cost-effectiveness and enhance performance even in applications where other technologies struggle. 

Cutting-edge radar sensors provide better clarity, detail, and object mapping in more applications:

• Reliable detection of materials and objects with low dielectric constant
• Enhanced resolution and measurement accuracy down to the millimeter
• Expanded, easy-to-retrieve object recognition

These breakthroughs enhance radar performance and expand mobile and industrial use cases:

• Advanced frequency-modulated signal processing 
• Wider bandwidth range
• Patented GUI (user interface) and smart parameter filters

The basics: How radar works

Radar sensors work by using radio waves to detect and track objects by transmitting electromagnetic waves and analyzing their reflected signals. An object’s ability to be seen by radar is influenced by its shape, size, material, and angle of incidence. Radar sensors have stable measuring signals and perform quick measurements. They are a key technology in mobile and industrial settings.

Next-generation technology

Technological advancements enable the most innovative radar sensors to provide more data and with better accuracy. Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave technology adds more possible metrics, while expanded bandwidth provides more detail to objects. Combining these with a sophisticated parameter tool allows prevents signal interference and streamlines object identification.

• Advancing radar sensor technologies: Advancing radar sensor technologies.  Innovative radar sensors now use frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) technology for superior results over traditional continuous wave (CW) and pulsed wave system. 
  
  FMCW can measure multiple kinematic qualities with more accurate results by using frequency change instead of just time delays. Pulsed radar is still superior for long-range detection, making it more suitable for weather or military use. But, FMCW performs better for shorter-range industrial and mobile applications.
• 4GHz range: Expanding bandwidth for better accuracy. A radar sensor with a bandwidth of 4 GHz can resolve finer details with greater accuracy and precision than one with a 1 GHz bandwidth. The wider bandwidth improves range resolution and enables more sophisticated signal processing by allowing the radar to extract more detailed information from the same physical space as a 1 GHz sensor.
• Vision Assistant software: Making visualization and configuration fast and easy. The ifm Vision Assistant software makes all the enhanced measurements and operations of a 4GHz radar sensor actionable and easy to understand. This parameter adjustment tool allows users to quickly configure their radar sensor’s settings and filters to identify a wide range of objects and substances. The advanced DSP algorithm also eliminates noise and interference.

Various radar sensors use different sensing technology and offer different measuring ranges, velocity ranges, and opening angles. To find the right radar sensor for your application, consider: 

• Range: Whether you are measuring for objects a few inches away or a few feet or further.
• Environment: If a harsh environment, such as extreme heat or cold, weather, dirt and dust, oil and grease, steam and smoke, or overexposure or darkness, is a factor. 
• Accuracy: How precise your measurements must be (e.g., within 1mm, within 1 inch, etc.)

• Application: Level, object, or distance measurement require different distance and velocity ranges. Also, radar sensors must operate on different frequencies for field vs. industrial uses. 

Communication protocols for radar sensors

With models supporting either J1939 or IO-Link communication protocols, or simple digitral or analouge outputs, radar sensors from ifm are compatible in virtually any industrial or mobile application environment. The various models also provide a wide range of distance measurement, and multiple process values with communication via two key operating frequencies.

Radar sensors vs. other technologies

Radar and other technologies, such as ultrasonic, 3D cameras, and LiDAR, all accommodate various level, distance, speed, and object detection applications. Generally, radar sensors outperform other sensor technologies in long-range applications and where environmental factors such as dust, extreme heat or cold, or extremely bright or low light are considerations:

• Laser or LiDAR provides high-resolution readings, but only works on a single plane and cannot detect clear or reflective surfaces. Radar offers a wider, two-dimensional field of view and registers clear and reflective objects.
• Ultrasonic technology is less expensive than radar, although the cost gap is closing. However, ultrasonic requires clean, stable conditions. Wind or pressure changes affect its performance. And, it cannot detect objects through plastic or glass.
• 3D cameras offer more detail than radar but are more expensive and less reliable in poor visibility. Radar cannot produce images or identify objects. However, radar sensors are better for long-range applications and speed detection in harsh environments.