IoT and Infrared Radar
Infrared has been used for years to detect motion and proximity in a variety of situations. Unfortunately, typical infrared sensing techniques have a number of limitations. Traditional infrared sensors can only detect movement within a very small range and they are not able to determine the speed at which an object is moving. Due to their advanced capabilities, infrared radar systems are quickly becoming more popular than traditional infrared sensing.
Benefits of Radar-Based Systems
Radar-based systems are an effective replacement for passive infrared (PIR) sensing, as they provide a greater level of efficiency and accuracy. While PIR systems have a range of around ten meters, radar-based systems can detect objects up to forty meters. Infrared radar can also determine the speed at which an object is moving and detect objects that are not moving at all. Unlike PIR sensors, radar-based systems are not affected by environmental changes or ambient temperature. These features can be extremely beneficial to any system that relies on accurate detection of movement.
Radar
Until recently, radar was only used by the maritime and aerospace industries. Today, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have made it possible for radar to be used in a wide variety of applications. Infrared radar is commonly used to improve the efficiency of smart buildings, advanced security systems and more.
Radar, or Radio Detection and Ranging, emits radio waves and tracks the reflected signals to detect the presence of and object. A low-power Continuous Wave (CW) radar system can be used to detect objects in the path of a radiated signal, and a Frequency-Modulated CW (FMCW) system measures the range of the detected object. When these technologies are used together, a radar-based system is able to effectively detect movement, direction of movement and speed. By adding just one more receiver, the system can calculate the actual position of the target.
When determining which infrared radar system is best for each application, frequency range must be considered. 246Hz ISM band is typically preferred, as it does not interfere with Wi-Fi, smartphones, microwaves or other equipment that might be used at the same time. This frequency range does not require a license, making it ideal for commercial situations.
One downside of radar-based systems is their higher level of power consumption. This can be resolved by using a battery-powered system and a duty-cycling technique. This technique involves activating the radar chip for a short period of time in order to make an accurate speed measurement, then switching off the device until the next measurement interval.
Infrared Radar and the IoT
Infrared radar systems are used in a broad range of industrial, commercial and aerospace applications. When connected to the IoT, information gathered by an infrared radar system is collected and analyzed. This allows problems to be detected and resolved quickly and efficiently. This type of system can be beneficial in a number of situations.
Mint Controls creates customized, cost-effective IoT solutions that are better, easier to use and more efficient than anything else available on the market today. Please contact us for more information about infrared radar.