RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Sensor

The RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Sensor detects human movement using microwave radar (a sensing method that bounces 3.18GHz radio waves off objects and measures the reflected signal change). Unlike PIR sensors (which need line-of-sight), the microwave sensor detects motion through thin walls, wooden doors, and glass. The microwave radar sensor runs on 4V to 28V DC and draws just 3mA at idle.

One non-obvious detail — the rcwl 0516 microwave radar sensor detects motion in all directions around the PCB, not just forward. There is no adjustable detection cone. The limitation is false triggers. Moving fans, curtains, and even large insects can activate the output, so use it indoors in stable environments. The rcwl 0516 sensor output drives up to 100mA directly, letting it trigger a relay or buzzer without a transistor. Students, security project builders, and automation hobbyists use it regularly. To start, connect VCC to 5V, GND to GND, and read the output on a GPIO pin. StemVolt provide this sensor tested for confirmed output on human motion detection.

Related Products:

• Check out the KY033 TCRT5000 Sensor Module

Features:

• Transmitting power at 20mW typical and 30mW max keeps microwave emission within safe operating levels
• Detecting range from 5 to 9 metres covers room-scale motion detection through non-metal obstacles
• microwave sensor operating current at 3mA maximum suits continuous 24-hour always-on monitoring builds

Technical specifications:

Applications:

• Room occupancy detector uses this sensor to switch a light relay when a person enters the room
• Smart door light uses this to turn on an LED strip when someone walks up to a doorway
• rcwl 0516 sensor reads presence through a wooden cabinet and triggers a GPIO alarm on Arduino

Package includes:

• 1 x RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Sensor