RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Sensor


The RCWL-0516 is a microwave radar sensor designed for motion detection and proximity sensing. It is based on Doppler radar technology, operating in the 3.2 GHz to 3.4 GHz frequency range, making it suitable for detecting movement within its range. This sensor is commonly used in a variety of applications such as motion detection, occupancy sensing, and security systems.

Applications:-

  • Motion Detection: Detects movement in a specified area. Suitable for security systems, automatic lighting, and various home automation applications.
  • Occupancy Sensing: Can be used to detect the presence of people or objects in a room, automatically turning on lights or controlling HVAC systems.
  • Security Systems: Used to detect intruders or unauthorized movement in sensitive areas.
  • Smart Home Automation: Integrates with IoT systems for automatic control of lights, appliances, or security features.
  • People Counting: Can be used in areas where tracking the number of people entering or leaving a space is required.

Price :  excl. GST
Qty Price
1 > 31.00
6 > 29.00
21 > 27.00
50 > 26.00
100 > 25.00
200 > 25.00
500 > 24.00

Features and Specifications:

  1. Operating Frequency:

    • The RCWL-0516 operates at 3.2 GHz to 3.4 GHz, using the microwave Doppler effect to detect movement. It is sensitive to changes in the reflected microwave signals, which can detect motion of objects within the sensor's range.
  2. Detection Range:

    • The sensor can typically detect motion within a range of up to 5 to 7 meters, depending on the environment and the movement of the objects being detected.
  3. Output Type:

    • The sensor provides a digital output (high/low), which can be interfaced with a microcontroller (like Arduino, Raspberry Pi) to trigger an action (e.g., turning on a light, activating an alarm, or starting a motor).
    • The output is typically a high signal when motion is detected and a low signal when there is no motion.
  4. Low Power Consumption:

    • The RCWL-0516 is designed to be energy-efficient, with a low power consumption of around 4 to 10 mA in normal operation. It operates on 5V DC power, making it suitable for battery-powered systems and energy-sensitive applications.
  5. Compact Design:

    • The RCWL-0516 sensor is small and compact, measuring about 32 mm x 32 mm, which makes it easy to integrate into various projects, including DIY electronics, IoT devices, and security systems.
  6. Sensitivity:

    • The sensor has an adjustable sensitivity level that can be fine-tuned for specific applications. This can help optimize the sensor’s detection range and avoid false positives.
  7. Non-contact Sensing:

    • Unlike infrared sensors, the RCWL-0516 does not require line-of-sight and can detect motion through objects, making it more reliable in situations where other sensors (like PIR sensors) may not work effectively (e.g., through walls or obstacles).