Following closely in the footsteps of the IMD-3000, a new sensor will be added to the ‘InnoSenT Motion Detector’ series. The IMD-2000, like the rest of its product family, is also used for motion detection. However, the radar solution’s function is targeting a different field of application – automated motion control. The product thus assumes the tasks of a conventional motion detector. In a short interview, Cyrus Nabavinegad, Product Owner at InnoSenT, answers three questions about the product’s development. Find out more hereabout the features and functions of the latest highlight in IMD series.

 

What was the product designed for?

CN: The IMD-2000 is a motion detector, but thanks to its extended functions, it optimises the performance of typical motion detector applications. The sensor utilises FSK modulation and operates in the 24 GHz frequency band.

It detects moving objects and uses radar waves to collect useful information about them, such as speed. What sets the product apart is that it also outputs data on the direction of movement and distance compared to the classic motion detectors. It is predestined for simple applications in the security sector as well as for the automatic control of building technology such as doors, access control systems, lights, sanitary applications and moving walkways.

With the IMD-2000, our aim was to bridge a gap in the InnoSenT portfolio and on the market. Usually, CW modulations or infrared sensors are used in the low-cost sector, since further functions have been considered too expensive and complicated until now. Nevertheless, there was demand for a targeted automatic control system and more reliable performance.

A customer made the problem clear to us: the efficiency of conventional motion detectors is no longer sufficient. Because the sensors established on the market often only pass on simplified information about moving objects within the detection area. In certain environments, it is necessary to refine or filter the detection results. For example, if only movements in a small area are relevant. Like an alarm system, which monitors a private property. Here, the radar should detect intruders on site, but cars outside the property. The IMD-2000 solves this problem by collecting distance information about moving objects and enabling to filter by range.

What is the product capable of?

CN: The new sensor boasts improved motion detection. It determines the speed, direction and distance of an object. Using this database, it also outputs a value for the calculated estimated time of arrival (ETA) and displays the signal strength.

With this information, the customer can ideally adapt the motion detector function to his needs. And he can do so with relative ease. The IMD-2000 is more than just a radar component. We have already integrated a signal-processing unit. It outputs all radar detections via a target list, which the user retrieves via a UART interface.  The individual configuration is carried out by using the provided software.

The customer decides himself what detections are relevant to him.

Its enhanced array of functions makes the IMD-2000 stand out from the competition. Because additional object information and filter functions deliver optimised application performance. This enables downstream actions to be activated and deactivated in a targeted manner.

I would like to specifically point out a few benefits at this point. The distance information allows customers to restrict motion detection to a specific range or area. The radar ignores people and objects that are further away. With the resulting signal strength of an object, our customer can roughly filter by object type. Because reflections from a person have different values than a car.

Another special feature of the sensor is detection at very low speeds. Since the IMD-2000 is especially used for security applications, it was important to be able to reliably detect sneaking persons. Of course, we have summarised all the highlights and features in a product brochure and the technical data sheet. These are available via our new download portal.

The InnoSenT portfolio also includes other sensors for motion detection. How does the IMD-2000 differ from the other motion detectors?

CN: Apart from their functions, our motion detectors also differ in terms of their integration level. We have three different standard products for near range – meaning we have the right solution for any motion detector application.

The SMR, for example, is a pure radar front end and detects only the movement and speed of objects with a CW modulation, not the distance. The product does not feature signal processing – the customer has to tend to that aspect himself. This makes it extremely cost-effective and offers the most streamlined possible motion detection. The SMR is in high demand and we produce the front end in large quantities, because for some use cases, its function suffices on its own.

With the IMD-2000, InnoSenT has achieved significantly better performance for its application. The new product is more advanced and has an FSK-modulated transmission signal, through which additional distance information is detected. In addition, it boasts integrated signal processing. It offers efficient and more precise motion detection yet is still within the low-price segment.

For more demanding tasks, we have a high-tech motion sensor in our portfolio. The iSYS-5005 system is a MIMO radar and has higher resolution. It also has a tracking feature in order to record the movement history of objects.

The IMD-2000 is always the right solution if you need a conventional motion detector and are looking for a low-cost and user-friendly variant. In a nutshell: when reliability matters, customers opt for the IMD-2000. It particularly stands out when compared to infrared technology. Because the robust radar technology works independently of weather, temperature, or lighting conditions. This makes the sensor ideally suited for outdoor applications. In addition, thanks to its compact size, it fits into any product design and can also be concealed behind a plastic cover. The customer has additional filtering options, which allows him to make individual adjustments and boost efficiency. With the IMD-2000, you get more for your motion detector application at a low price.

 

Thank you for this interview!

picture: © IRStone by adobe stock