The RCWL-0516 is an active sensor, not a passive one like the HC-SR501 Passive Infrared (PIR). It sends out microwaves at a frequency of about 3.18 GHz and measures the radiation that is reflected back.
The RCWL-0516 itself is pretty straightforward and works out of the box. Simply apply power between 4V–28V and ground. The sensor output goes HIGH for two seconds when motion is detected and goes LOW when idle (no motion detected).
The chip also supports repeat triggers and has a 360-degree detection area without blind spots. Because the microwave antenna is integrated on the PCB itself, the RCWL-0516 has become a completely self-contained unit.
Operating Frequency 3.18GHz
Detecting range 5-7m
Operating current 3mA(Max)
Operating Voltage 4-28VDC
Output Control High Level 3.3V
Output Control Low Level 0V
Output Voltage Driving Capacity 100 mA
Trigger Way Repeat Trigger
Transmitting Power 20mW (typical); 30mW (max)
Penetrating detection capability, compared with the traditional infrared feeling PIR
RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Sensor is a mini doppler radar sensor module equipped with supporting DC 4-28V wide voltage. It is an alternative to the PIR sensor and uses in many security alarms system.
This mini radar motion sensor module is equipped with an RCWL-9196 chip based on the doppler microwave induction technology. It will automatically continuously output the high-level TTL signal when there is motion with adjustable delay time and sensitivity.
The RCWL-0516 microwave sensor detects any movement from any object and does not rely on heat signatures, making it more reliable in hot environments where a PIR sensor may not be as effective.
The RCWL-0516 module employs “Doppler Radar” – a specialized radar that makes use of the Doppler Effect (also known as Doppler shift) to detect motion and trigger proximity alerts. A Doppler radar works by bouncing a microwave signal off a desired target and reading the frequency of the returned signal. By analyzing how the target’s motion has altered the frequency of the transmitted signal, the target’s velocity can be measured. You may have seen police officers using radar speed guns to catch people driving too fast. These radar speed guns, like other types of radar, consist of a microwave transmitter and receiver. They send out a microwave signal and then receive it after it bounces off the target. Due to the Doppler effect, if the object is moving towards or away from the gun, the frequency of the reflected microwave signal is different from that of the transmitted signal. When a car approaches the radar, the frequency of the returned signal is greater than the frequency of the transmitted signal; when the car moves away, the frequency is lower. Based on that difference, the radar speed gun calculates the speed of the car from which the signal bounced.
By populating these jumpers with appropriate resistors and capacitors, you can change the sensor’s default settings:C-TM (Pulse length Adjustment): By populating C-TM with a suitable SMD capacitor, you can extend the output pulse length. The default pulse length is 2 seconds. Higher capacitor values result in longer pulses. For example, 0.2µF extends the output pulse to 50s, while 1µF extends it to 250s.R-GN (Detection Range Adjustment): By populating R-GN with a suitable resistor, you can reduce the sensor’s detection range. By default, the detection range is set to 7m. A 1M resistor reduces the detection range to 5m, while a 270K resistor reduces it to 1.5m.
R-CDS (Light Sensitivity Adjustment): This is an alternative to soldering the LDR. Any resistor in the 47K – 100K range will suffice. The lower the value, the brighter the light must be in order to disable the trigger.
It also supports light-dependent resistor (LDR), which enables the device to operate only in the dark. This is useful for building motion-sensitive lighting systems.There are actually two ways you can connect an LDR to the sensor.
By using the two CDS pads on the top of the sensor.
By using the CDS pin on the bottom and connecting your LDR between it and ground.
It is perfect for DIY microwave motion sensor light switch, human sensor toys, smart security devices, etc.
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