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🛰️ RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Motion Sensor Module
The RCWL-0516 is a high-sensitivity, low-power microwave Doppler radar module designed to detect moving objects, including humans, with superior performance compared to traditional Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors. Operating at around 3.18 GHz, this module is ideal for intelligent lighting, alarm systems, and hidden motion detection applications.
✨ Key Advantages Over PIR Sensors
- Penetrating Detection: Uses microwave signals to detect motion through non-metallic materials such as thin walls, glass, plastic, and wood. Perfect for embedding inside protective enclosures.
- Environmental Immunity: Detection is not affected by ambient temperature, humidity, light levels (day/night), or dust.
- Wide Sensing Range: Offers a robust detection range of 5 to 7 meters with a wide sensing angle.
⚙️ Technical Specifications
ParameterValueOperating Voltage (VIN)4 V to 28 V DC (Compatible with 5 V, 12 V, and 24 V systems)Operating Frequencyapprox 3.18 GHzOperating Currentlt 3 mA (Very low power consumption)Detection Distance5 m to 7 m (Adjustable)Output Signal3.3 V TTL Logic (HIGH when motion is detected)Default Trigger Timeapprox 2 seconds (Time can be extended)
📌 Pinout and Interface Guide
The RCWL-0516 features 5 pins for easy connection to microcontrollers and external circuitry:
Pin NameFunctionCRITICAL NOTEVINPower Supply InputConnect your power source (e.g., 5 V from Arduino/Raspberry Pi) here.GNDGroundCommon Ground Connection.OUTMotion Detection OutputConnects to a digital input pin on your microcontroller. Goes HIGH (3.3 V) on detection.3V3Regulated DC OutputOutput only! This pin provides a stable 3.3 V supply (up to 100 mA) to power external low-current logic circuitry.CDSSensor Disable InputOptional. Connecting a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) between CDS and GND can disable the sensor in daylight.
🔧 Customization Pads (Back of Board)
The module includes three solder pads on the back for fine-tuning performance by adding external components:
- C-TM: Adjusts the Repeat Trigger Time (the duration the OUT pin stays HIGH). Adding a capacitor here will extend the default approx 2 second trigger time.
- R-GN: Adjusts the Detection Range. Adding a 1 M Omega resistor reduces the range from 7 m to 5 m.
- R-CDS: Used to fine-tune the light threshold when an LDR is connected to the CDS pin.