+44 (0)24 7671 8970
More publications     •     Advertise with us     •     Contact us
 
Loading...
News Article

Radar as an alternative to ultrasonic sensors

News

Radar is an important sensor technology for determining distances. In the field of fill level measurement, it impresses through its precision and robustness. But this performance comes at a price – which has given low-cost ultrasonic sensors a market advantage for use in cost-effective and simple applications until now. The new IDR-2050 radar from InnoSenT, however, has an optimised price-performance ratio, making it an alternative to ultrasonic fill level sensors.

Precise, short-distance measurement

The IDR-2050 is a 60 GHz FMCW radar sensor with a range of 10 m that can be ideally integrated into smaller silos or tanks as a stationary fill level system. InnoSenT developed the product specifically for distance measurement at short ranges and for cost-effective applications.

The system boasts impressive detection precision in the millimetre range (±5 mm). The company achieves this precision through a combination of special product and antenna design, innovative DSP algorithms, and advanced calibration technology. The coverage area is optimised for the typical locations of use: the focused, 6° radar beam detects moving and stationary objects within a narrow coverage area. This almost punctual measurement enables distances to be determined in a focused manner without interference from reflective walls, installed mixers, or other interfering factors present within a container, within its machine, or in the measuring environment of the filling material.

Outstanding design
The IDR-2050 radar sensor is extremely flat and small. This allows the product to be installed in standardised housings with little space. The optimised and flat shape of the radome fits perfectly into typical designs of fill level measurement systems without causing any drop in performance. Since it’s easier to position this sensor, that eliminates the need for complicated assembly work. The integrated signal processing and the GUI provided by InnoSenT make commissioning the product easier and minimise development work for integrating the sensor. The IDR-2050 has a UART interface and uses it to output the assessed detection results in the form of a target list. Through an EVAL kit, the sensor can be connected directly to a PC using an FTDI cable for initial configuration.

Ideal functionality
As an FMCW radar, the sensor measures distance, speed, and detects direction of movement. The product also determines the signal strength of the detection targets. InnoSenT offers customers various filter and configuration options for individual adjustments. One example is the range, which the user can set to be smaller or larger depending on the on-site conditions. Defined filters are used to ignore irrelevant detections and to refine information transmission. The IDR-2050 has three different operating modes that have proven themselves for the different application areas of distance measurement: a measurement mode for fast motion with high speed resolution, normal mode, and a mode with a longer measurement timeframe. InnoSenT has also integrated an energy-saving function.

Putting the IDR-2050 to use
This radar is approved for use in Europe and the USA in accordance with ETSI and FCC requirements. With the IDR-2050, the company is expanding its portfolio in the 60 GHz range. In addition to the iSYS-6030 long-range radar system, InnoSenT now also offers a high-precision alternative for near-range distance measurement.

Thanks to its functions, the product can be used in many different ways. Its short range makes the IDR-2050 ideal for distance measurements in smaller silos, cisterns, or tanks. The sensor reliably detects a wide range of materials – from liquid to solid ones. Even dust from finely ground goods or granular substances and foam from mash cause no problems with measurement. Extreme conditions such as heat or cold, dirt, vapour, or darkness don’t impede the radar equipment’s performance.

Instead of for fill level detection, the sensor can also be used for to prevent collisions. In this use case, the IDR-2050 transmits distance warnings, while continuously monitoring the distance to moving or stationary objects. If the radar is mounted on a vehicle, this enables collisions to be prevented between forklift trucks and persons or objects, for instance.

The high-performance radar’s low price makes this new product a serious competitor to ultrasonic sensors. With the IDR-2050, InnoSenT is offering a new radar solution for cost-effective applications in the field of fill level measurement that now for the first time boasts the advantages of radar technology, such as maintenance-free, weather- and light-independent operation as well as precise and comprehensive data acquisition. As a non-guided radar, it also is easy to integrate into a customer-friendly system thanks to its compact design. You will find more information about the product on InnoSenT GmbH’s company website and blog.

SPEA donates test equipment to university in Thailand
SONOTEC and S3 Alliance join at SEMICON Europa
Luminaries like high-NA EUV and curvilinear photomasks
SensiML and Silicon Technology join forces
TRI launches high-performance 3D AXI
SONOTEC and S3 Alliance join at SEMICON Europa
Marquee Semiconductor expands Indian presence
Micron begins Memory Manufacturing Fab
SiLC Technologies advances Machine Vision
Renesas partners with EdgeCortix
Gradiant acquires H+E Group
Webinar: Hydrogen Generation Industry Innovations to Meet Expanding North American Fab Hydrogen Requirements
EdgeCortix set to disrupt the edge market?
Evonetix places first DNA Synthesis Development Platform at Imperial College London
ASE launches Integrated Design Ecosystem
Cohu acquires Equiptest Engineering
Advantest wins 2022 Best Supplier Award from ASE Holdings
SEMI welcomes new board members
Advanced Energy breaks ground on flagship factory
GlobalFoundries opens new Malaysia office
TSMC reveals 'breakthrough' set to redefine the future of 3D IC
Delphon announce new VP, strategic marketing & business development
Particle Measuring Systems Announces Acquisition of EMS
Ireland begins high-volume production of Intel 4 Technology
Advantest to showcase latest test solutions
200 gigabits per second
KemLab Inc. applauds CHIPS Act's commitment
200mm fabs to reach record capacity by 2026
Governor DeSantis dedicates $50 million for workforce development
DOD names eight 'Microelectronics Commons' Hubs
TSMC accelerates renewable energy adoption
Mouser signs global agreement with MediaTek
×
Search the news archive

To close this popup you can press escape or click the close icon.
Logo
×
Logo
×
Register - Step 1

You may choose to subscribe to the Silicon Semiconductor Magazine, the Silicon Semiconductor Newsletter, or both. You may also request additional information if required, before submitting your application.


Please subscribe me to:

 

You chose the industry type of "Other"

Please enter the industry that you work in:
Please enter the industry that you work in: