Motion detection isn’t out of fashion. To the contrary, motion detectors are once again experiencing a surge in interest through the further development of radar sensors. The technology boasts expanded functionality and is available at increasingly competitive prices. Even simple motion control tasks in the low-cost sector now rely on radar devices – which were once considered overly complex and expensive. InnoSenT thus regularly expands and optimises its product portfolio in order to make the advances and innovations achieved in radar technology available to the market. The latest innovation is the IMD-1100, which we would like to present to you in a short interview with Product Manager Dr Eva Maria Buchkremer.

With the IMD-1100, the IMD series is gaining another product for motion detection. What is this new product capable of and what special features does it boast?

EB: ‘This new product is a 24 GHz CW radar module for the low-cost segment. It records the movements of people, vehicles, and objects within a range of up to 15 metres. In addition, it is possible to identify the direction of movement, for example to determine whether a person is approaching or moving away.

The IMD-1100 is a radar front end, meaning a radar component with no signal-processing functionality. It is thus up to customers to carry out further signal analysis and they freely choose what kind of modulation and measuring cycle to use and what information output is relevant to them and their application.

Clearly impressive aspects about the IMD-1100 are its size and price – as the developers managed to reduce its dimensions and costs to a minimum. This makes it the smallest and cheapest product in our portfolio, and it even outdoes the IPM-165. This was the most compact 24 GHz motion sensor on the market when it was launched. The IMD-1100 may also be the smallest of its kind. We are not currently aware of a smaller radar with comparable functions and range.

With the new IMD series, we have taken care to slim down the range of products. Integrators usually have to order different product variants due to the options for approving radar sensors for use in different countries. In developing the IMD-1100, we opted for a frequency band suitable for worldwide approval, just like with the IMD-2000 and -3000. So customers only need one single product version and not multiple variants like before.’

For which use case was the IMD-1100 developed?

 EB: ‘We have developed the front end specifically for simple motion detection tasks. Typical applications don’t require complex features. The sensor is meant to transmit a signal during movement to trigger a simple technical function, such as switching on the light. They also automate various processes in smart homes to help with everyday life or to provide entertainment. These applications usually entail high-volume production. The IMD-1100 is thus oriented on customer products produced and sold in high numbers.

Here, the cost of the product usually plays a crucial role. The dominant competitor technologies, such as PIR and 10 GHz radar sensors, are available at extremely low prices. It’s hard for radar solutions to keep up with this price level. But with the IMD-1100, InnoSenT has managed to significantly reduce the price and is now approaching cost segment of infrared and 10 GHz motion detectors.

Although 24 GHz sensors are slightly more expensive, the IMD-1100 is the better alternative for certain applications. This is the case when PIR’s performance won’t cut it or when more compact dimensions are required than with 10 GHz sensors. This is the case, for example, with high ambient temperatures or when longer ranges are required. The combination of reliability and an attractive price makes the front end quite competitive.

Thanks to its format, the sensor can also be easily integrated into existing products. It even fits behind a standardised light switch, even with international differences in design. Multimedia devices, sanitary facilities such as toilet flushes, and kitchen appliances such as coffee machines can use radar technology to activate a specific digital display or response in the event of motion in a room. Other typical applications are alarm and door opening systems. The product’s range and lower price also make it an interesting option for securing windows. Wherever motion detection can increase convenience and efficiency, the technology is constantly evolving. We are happy to expand our horizons through innovative customer products and to give advice on our technology and products.’

Cheap sensors from China are also increasing the price pressure in the field of radar technology. But these products’ low prices is usually entail compromises in terms of quality. Is this true for the IMD-1100?

 EB: ‘No. We deliver the usual InnoSenT quality with radar equipment Made in Germany. We achieve the lower price primarily through an optimised manufacturing process, which we continuously further develop through years of experience as a radar equipment company. We have this expertise not just in production but also in R&D. The result is an improved design with the ideal sensor size and construction. We offer the IMD-1100 as a bulk material packaged in bags in order to save space when storing it – whether at our premises or the customer’s. As with all our products, each sensor undergoes various testing procedures to verify product quality in end-of-line tests. This enables us to achieve constant product quality – contrary to cheap producers. Despite the lower prices, we make no compromises in terms of quality, service, or product development.’

Thank you for this interview!

More information about the product can be found here and in the press release.