Radars send and receive electromagnetic microwaves within a certain frequency range. In the area of motion detection, there are 10 GHz and 24 GHz solutions on the market. They differ in their technical characteristics. It depends on the application, which band is preferred by the developers, integrators and users. But for which scenario is the one radar solution better than the other?

Let’s find out more about the technology and frequencies. In this article, we want to discuss the comparison of10 GHz and 24 GHz and ask an expert.

And who can show the differences and advantages of the frequency band best? None other than our sales colleague Simon Barber. The key account manager sold radar solutions in the 10 GHz range for more than 7 years and is now looking into the potential of 24 GHz sensors as an alternative.

 

Hello Simon, can you give us a quick introduction into the different frequencies? What is it about?

SB: Sensors use different frequencies to send and receive the radar signal. The use and division of the areas are regulated and specified by international institutions in order to avoid interferences and protect health. This determines which frequency bands are available for weather radar, shipping or the military.

Certain bandwidths have been approved and provided for commercial applications, in industry and the automotive sector. 10 GHz and 24 GHz radars are typically used for motion detection, due to their technical characteristics and functionality. The experts do not always mention the gigahertz number to differ the types of radar. A common name for sensor solutions in the 10 GHz range is x-band Radar & 24 GHz is known as k-band Radar.

Thank you for the clarification. Can you tell me something about the evolution of the radar variants and recent trends referring to low cost motion sensors?

SB: 10 GHz products have generally been around for a long time, some are used which are 20 years old. The radar products are popular for low-cost motion detection. They normally do not offer a wide range of functionality, because they were not used for complex applications. There was no demand from the customer base for large scale technology improvement – so, the motto “never change a running system” fits quite well. Usually the product development is triggered by changes in frequency legislation such as the recent RED.

The 24 GHz radar variants have also established themselves on the market as motion detectors. Technological advances have been made here, particularly in terms of functionality. The costs have also dropped due to high volume production as a result of increased interest and better material availability. They have meanwhile blossomed into a real alternative to the classic, 10 GHz motion detectors. Another important development in recent years has been the ability to SMT manufacture 24 GHz radar products as it saves manpower and increases the quality of the production line.

So what are the strength of the 10 GHz and 24 GHz products – where are the differences?

SB: First I have to admit, that the advantages and disadvantages of the different frequency band are really depending on the applications you want to use it for. You have to weigh up which characteristics fits more to your need or what is more important for you. So, the 10 GHz standard products are available for a really low price. The production costs and development is cheaper & less intensive than for 24 GHz solutions.

They also have a longer range than 24 GHz due to the wave length, and the beam pattern is more likely to penetrate through internal building materials like walls. This can be a positive or a negative thing.

For example, the penetration can cause unwanted triggering of sensors but sometimes customers want to place the sensor behind tiles or other hard materials.

The signal of 10 GHz radar is also less attenuated and is less sensitive to precipitation in outdoor applications. Advanced 24 GHz technology counteracts this problems with intelligent signal processing.

Speaking about 24 GHz radar products, you have to mention that a bigger frequency band is available. X-Band radar can only use 5 MHz frequency shift, which limits the functionality down to motion detection and the measurement of movement direction. K-Band sensors can use up to 250 MHz bandwidth, so a way better radar resolution can be achieved. Customers can extract much more object data. These radar products measures motion, direction, velocity, presence, and distance and target angle information.

Another advantage of the 24 GHz radars is the compact design. They are mechanically much smaller than equivalent 10 GHz units. This means smaller housings and PCB, and reduced cost for the customer.

Furthermore, the 24 GHz offers the worldwide use. There is no need for different product variants due to frequency regulations. You need up to four frequency variations with 10 GHz radars if you want to sell your product in different countries.

And what problems have to face?

SB: 10 GHz radar solutions have a lower speed resolution than 24 GHz, so they have some troubles with capturing very slow moving objects. Like already said, due to the narrower frequency band available and lower resolution capabilities they are limited to less complex applications. They don’t offer the wide range of detection functionality like 24 GHz.

With more functionality, the development and productions cost increases, so the higher cost of a 24 GHz unit over a 10 GHz unit can be a disadvantage.

For example the cost competitive security market needs high volume production, probably well in excess of 2 million globally. Here, the cost is the main driver for the purchase decision. But companies like InnoSenT has the development experience and production capability to offer radar products at an attractive and competitive price.

So the ultimate question: What is better?

SB: This depends on the individual task that radar has to solve for the customer. If you just focus on really simple motion detection application you can say 10 GHz meets the requirements of customers and is offered at a low price.

Outside the simple cost competitive security market, and a lesser extent the light sensor market, 24 GHz is better as it solves far more technical issues for the customer than 10 GHz. 24 GHz is the best solution for any application which needs more than just motion and direction sensing, 10 GHz will not be a factor here.

Can you give a typical Use Case for each radar band?

SB: Of course. 10 GHz is recommended for cost competitive applications. It is often used for dual-tech intruder alarm and light control sensors.

24 GHz offers a lot more applications possibilities due to their further development and functionality. You can find them also integrated in security systems or building automation technology. In doing so, they take on more difficult tasks like perimeter protection, tracking, automation or control on-demand. Further examples are sports, traffic, level sensing, collision avoidance and automotive applications.

Which application has more potential for future technology applications?

SB: Undoubtedly 24 GHz. 24 GHz will give customers answers in more complex solutions giving them more value add on their future products.

The possibilities for further development and improvement have not yet been exhausted. The technological progress will open up more and more opportunities. A few years ago, radar tracking was not available for commercial and industrial market. Now it is used for advanced security radar detection or traffic monitoring.

Despite this, 24 GHz is increasingly being used in traditional 10 GHz stronghold markets to solve customer production, inventory and frequency regulatory issues but there is still a cost driven security market out there & low cost 10 GHz doppler modules will still command large volume sales.

Thank you, Simon, for your time and this interview!

For further product and radar Information feel free to contact our sales team. You can find the contact details here.