The RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Sensor module has been designed as an alternative to the common PIR motion sensors widely used in burglar alarms and security lights. Like the PIR sensor, this sensor also detects only movements within its detection range.

But instead of sniffing the blackbody radiation from a moving person, this sensor uses a microwave Doppler radar technique to detect moving objects. It has a sensitivity range of ~7 meters. When triggered, its TTL-level output (OUT) pin will switch from LOW (0 V) to HIGH (3.3 V) for a finite time (2 to 3 s) before returning to its idle (LOW) state.

This flexible sensor module can easily be used in conjunction with many microcontrollers and even without a microcontroller at all. It can handle power supply inputs anywhere from 4 to 28 V.

The output pin can be utilized for a multitude of tasks, such as for driving an aural/visual indicator or even linking with the I/O of any 3-V microcontroller for further processing. During construction, avoid any metal part in front of the sensor module. Similarly, always keep a minimum of 1-cm clear space on the front and rear side of the module.

Pinouts of RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Sensor:-

CDS Sensor disable input (low = disable)
VIN 4- to 28-V DC supply input
OUT HIGH (3.3 V) motion detected/LOW (0 V) idle
GND Ground/0 V
3V3 Regulated DC output (100 mA max)

Features of RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Sensor:-

• Transmission signal processing control chip RCWL-9196
• Wide operating voltage range 4.0V to 28.0V
• Penetrating detection capability, compared with the traditional infrared feeling PIR
• Adjustable Block time and distance
• 3.3V output power supply

Specifications of RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Sensor:-