Radar Sensor Reference Design

The reference design helps detect motion using a radar sensor and microcontroller. It supports SPI mode, adjustable settings, and easy device integration to save power.

The reference board includes Infineon’s BGT60LTR11AIP 60GHz radar sensor and an XMC1302 microcontroller with an Arm Cortex-M0. It helps users explore the sensor and build radar-based applications on a low-power MCU.

The BGT60LTR11AIP is a small microwave motion sensor with built-in antennas. It has a frequency control system for stable operation. Designed for detecting motion using Doppler radar in the 60GHz band, it is an innovative and efficient alternative to passive infrared (PIR) sensors, especially for low-power or battery-operated devices.

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The reference board operates in SPI mode. This mode allows full flexibility in adjusting radar MMIC settings like detection threshold, hold time, and operating frequency. An external MCU can program these settings into the MMIC registers, while the built-in detectors provide digital outputs for motion and direction detection. If additional processing is needed, raw radar data can be extracted from the MMIC for further analysis and custom algorithm development to optimize performance.

The reference board evaluates product features, rapid prototyping, and system integration. It can be used in devices like laptops, tablets, TVs, and speakers to detect motion or movement direction. This allows devices to wake up when motion is detected or enter sleep mode and auto-lock when inactive for a set period. By enabling smart power-saving, it can reduce energy consumption and eliminate the need for keyword-based activation. Since radar sensors can function through non-metallic materials, they can be hidden within the final product design.

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The reference board has a compact 31 mm x 28 mm form factor and features a small AIP MMIC, simplifying integration by removing the need for antenna design. It can detect motion and determine whether a person is approaching or moving away. The board can operate in standalone autonomous mode or in SPI mode, allowing connection to an external Cortex-M0 microcontroller for additional signal processing. It also offers configurable settings, including operation mode, detector threshold, hold time, and operating frequency.

A 38.4 MHz crystal serves as the oscillator source, providing a stable reference clock for the MMIC. The Cortex debug connector can be placed on either side of the board and is used to connect an XMC Link. Additional connectors give access to key signals. The board also includes two LEDs that indicate the MCU’s output results. 

The reference design offers several benefits, including a detection range of up to 14 meters for human targets when using an advanced motion sensing algorithm. It supports enhanced functionality through SPI configuration or additional signal processing, allowing for greater flexibility in application development. Additionally, the board is designed for low power consumption, making it suitable for energy-efficient and battery-operated devices.

Infineon has tested this reference design. It comes with a bill of materials (BOM), schematics, assembly drawing, printed circuit board (PCB) layout, and more. The company’s website has additional data about the reference design. To read more about this reference design, click here.