Radar sensors

Radars offer a host of advantages over other sensing technologies such as passive infrared (PIR) sensors for motion detection. These include higher sensitivity, greater accuracy as well as distance and angular information of detected objects. The advanced capabilities enable new functionalities in consumer goods such as TVs, laptops, cameras, air conditioners, home appliances and smart home devices, but also for robots, drones and lighting products. In cars, radar sensors are used for in-cabin monitoring and safety features, and for exterior applications such as blind spot detection or smart trunk opening.

Designed to support a wide range of industrial, consumer, and automotive applications, Infineon’s millimeter wave (mmWave) radar portfolio offers both FMCW and Doppler radar sensors supporting 24 GHz, 60 GHz, and 77/79 GHz.

Infineon’s radar sensor portfolio includes 24 GHz, 60 GHz, as well as 77/79 GHz mm wave radar sensors, serving a wide range of industrial, consumer, and automotive IoT applications. Most commonly, radar sensors are used in motion detection triggering systems such as indoor and outdoor lighting solutions, automatic doors, camera and security systems, or smart home devices. Additionally, object detection can be ensured through the application of radar sensor ICs. Each frequency has its individual advantages, i.e., 24 GHz usually provides a longer range, whereas 60 GHz has better resolution.

Radar sensors offer a number of technological advantages and features that make them a popular choice for enabling sensing functions in many automotive, industrial and consumer applications. They can provide advanced sensing capabilities that are not possible with other types of sensors:

• Detects direction of movement, speed, and distance 
• Depending on the antenna configuration, angle information is provided
  •    (Multiple) Target positioning
  •    Segmentation and tracking functionalities
• Detection through non-conductive materials
  •    Product design flexibility
  •    Anonymous sensing
• Operation through harsh environmental conditions such as rain, snow, fog, and dust
• Sensitive enough to capture breathing and heartbeat – Radar can feel presence and vital functions
• Adjustable radar performance parameters – Adaptable to different application requirements 

For more than 15 years, Infineon has been offering high-quality and reliable radar sensors for the automotive industry. Our 77 GHz chips are capable of recognizing objects at ranges up to 250 meters away while our on-chip sensors allow for better calibration and monitoring of temperature, output power, and multiple monitors/supervisory circuits.

The 77/79 GHz radar platform supports all types of radar applications and offers automakers greater flexibility by offering numerous configuration parameters and on-chip monitoring functions. Infineon also offers 60 GHz radar sensors for automotive applications such as in-cabin monitoring systems for child presence detection, seat belt reminders, driver monitoring for vitals and more. Infineon’s 24 GHz automotive radar chipsets enable short-range exterior automotive applications like blind spot detection, smart trunk opening, and obstacle detection for door collision avoidance.

Infineon radar solutions are fully integrated microwave radar motion sensors to meet the needs of industrial and consumer applications. Multiple 60 GHz sensors with Antennas in Package (AIP), as well as one chip with built-in detectors for motion and direction of motion (BGT60LTR11AIP). With a possible power consumption of less than 1 mW, radar sensors bring innovative and intuitive sensing capabilities to many applications. 

Based on the developed algorithm, the MMICs can serve established use cases like motion and presence detection as well as advanced ones such as segmentation and people tracking, gesture control, or vital sensing without affecting privacy, because the radar signal is completely anonymous. Moreover, Infineon’s radar sensor technology offers a smart and cost-effective replacement for conventional PIR sensors in low-power or battery-powered applications.