For detection of motion and direction of motion, the most common sensor was the Passive Infrared sensor or PIR. The presence of a human radiates infrared rays, and the sensor detects this along with variations in infrared rays to sense motion. Now, Infineon offers a fully integrated microwave motion sensor that includes antennas in the package along with built-in detectors for motion and its direction. The BGT60LTR11AIP, from Infineon, does not need an external microcontroller, as it has a built-in state machine to enable its operation. When operating in the autonomous mode, the sensor can detect the presence of a human being at a distance of 7 m at low power consumption.

To use the BGT60LTR11AIP, one does not need any know-how in Radio Frequencies, radar signal processing, or antenna design. Therefore, this sensor brings radar technology to all. Moreover, the small-sized radar unit has special features that provide a compelling cost-effective, and smart replacement for the traditional PIR sensors, providing low power operation for battery-powered applications.

The BGT60LTR11AIP microwave motion detector system makes the traditional motion-sensing applications smarter. For instance, the motion detector is useful in applications like screen-based systems (tablets, notebooks, TVs), automated door openers, security systems including IP cameras, smart lighting systems, smart appliances like kitchen appliances and vacuum cleaners, smart building appliances like proximity sensors, occupancy sensors, and contact-less switches, and smart home devices like smart speakers, smoke detectors, and thermostats.

Infineon has designed the BGT60LTR11AIP sensor as a low-power Doppler radar sensor working in the 60 GHz ISM-band. The tiny 3.3 x 6.7 x 0.56 mm package has a transmitter and a receiver antenna built into the package. It also has the built-in direction of motion detector along with a built-in motion detector. It can operate in multiple modes of operation, including a completely autonomous mode. The user can adjust performance parameters like detection sensitivity, frequency of operation, and hold time. The PCB design of the sensor uses FR-4 material.

In the autonomous mode, the BGT60LTR11AIP can detect up to a range of 7 m while consuming less than 2 mW of power. For this mode of operation, the BGT60LTR11AIP uses minimum external circuitry like crystal, LDO, along with some passive resistors and capacitors, and a shield.

The user can extend the flexibility of the BGT60LTR11AIP by adding an M0 MCU. This improves the detection range up to 10 m in SPI mode. The addition of an MCU offers advanced capabilities through configuration and signal processing via the SPI mode.

The user can incorporate the BGT60LTR11AIP sensor into systems to wake them up when required and put them to sleep or in auto-lock condition when it detects no motion for a specified time period. It has the capability to trigger additional functionality when it detects motion or senses a change in the direction of motion.

The BGT60LTR11AIP can thus add smart power-saving for many devices. Also, as microwaves can operate through non-metallic materials, the sensor can be placed out of sight in the end product. Therefore, the BGT60LTR11AIP sensor enables smooth integration of radar technologies in systems of daily use.