A new product for the InnoSenT Motion Detection Series is in the starting blocks. That’s why we asked Product Management to give us a brief overview of the system. In this interview, we’ll go over the three most important questions about the new IMD-2002. Like the IMD-2000, this radar sensor is geared toward motion detection applications that benefit from greater functionality and object information. Dr Eva Maria Buchkremer, Head of Product Management, will explain what features the product offers from the beginning to the evaluation phase and market launch.

The product name suggests that the IMD-2002 has similarities with the IMD-2000, launched in 2021. Is that true?

EB: ‘Yes, the product’s development is based on the successful IMD-2000 radar sensor. You could say the new IMD-2002 is its big brother. We adapted functions and drew on our experience in antenna design and signal processing – but also in the material used. This of course cuts back development time, enabling our team of experts to introduce the new product quickly and reliably despite adhering to high standards.

Essentially, the two sensors differ in one important point from the user’s point of view: the IMD-2002 measures the angular position of objects. Implementing this feature entailed making certain technical modifications. With this additional measurement parameter, we are further expanding the functionality of the IMD series. Depending on the complexity of the application in question, we want to offer our customers an optimally suitable and functionally tailored radar solution.”

The IMD series is designed for the high-volume and low-cost motion detector market. So the IMD-2002 offers even more functions while still remaining cheap? How did InnoSenT achieve this from a technical standpoint?

EB: That’s right – during the development of the IMD-2002 as well, the aim was to launch the product on the market for as affordable of a price as possible. The series is meant to facilitate access to radar technology so that new sectors or applications can benefit from the advantages and performance of radar detection. We are countering negative presumptions about how complicated it is to integrate the sensors through user-friendly features that make the job easier, such as plug-&-play-ready products. Radar can be a real alternative to low-cost but ailing technologies like PIR. And price plays the decisive role here.

With the IMD-2002, we succeeded in developing a product that’s only slightly more expensive than the IMD-2000 radar sensor but also enables angle measurement. That’s not possible with CW radar modulation. For the IMD-2002, we use FSK modulation. The angle position of the object can be determined using a second receiving antenna. The two receiving antennas are positioned slightly apart. The radar thus receives two signals with different transit times to the antenna for an object remaining in a constant position. The angular position can be calculated by means of the signal’s phase shift. Thanks to many years of experience and intense research in signal processing, we have also achieved other technical feats. As a technology driver, we’re undergoing constant further development while continuously enhancing our products – and we’re making regular innovative progress particularly in the areas of software and data processing.

We also draw on a wealth of experience in design, materials, and production. The decreased development overhead, technological progress, and cost-efficient production enable us to leave competitors in the dust in terms of price and quality despite offering extensive functions. Our units’ performance and affordability are unprecedented in the market – and that goes for both the IMD-2000 and the IMD-2002.

What is the purpose of angle measurement? And what other product highlights does the radar sensor boast?

EB: The IMD-2002 is a 24 GHz radar for motion detection. It provides information about the distance, direction of movement, speed, and angle of moving objects. This data is outputted via a UART interface as a target list, since the sensor already performs the signal processing.

The angle measurement combined with distance detection enables objects to be positioned. Besides benefiting from object positioning, users can also filter radar detections via angle information and thus further narrow them down. This means the sensor has extensive adaptation options that make motion detection more efficient. The product provides filtering of detections via RCS, distance, speed, and angle.

Another highlight is the built-in blocking detection. The product detects when the antenna is being blocked and transmits a corresponding signal. Especially in the security area, this is important information in order to avoid failures due to manipulation.

The product can be set up very easily using an FTDI cable and our GUI. This means that even users with little sensor technology experience can integrate the equipment into their motion detection application. It is also convenient that the sensor pin is compatible with the IMD-2000. This allows our customers to diversify their own products to include a new function with little effort.

If you would like to know more about the new IMD-2002, please feel free to contact me or our sales team. We would be happy to help you figure out which of our products is best suited for your plans.

Thank you for this interview!

picture: © Production by InnoSenT