The RCWL-0516 is a mini Doppler radar motion sensor module designed for human body and moving object detection. Built around the RCWL-9196 processing IC, it operates in the microwave band (~3.18 GHz) to detect movement via the Doppler effect. Unlike traditional passive infrared (PIR) sensors that rely on thermal signatures and line-of-sight, the RCWL-0516 penetrates non-metallic materials (such as plastic, wood, acrylic, and glass), providing reliable motion sensing in enclosed or concealed installations.

Specifications

• Operating Voltage: 4.0V to 28V DC (Wide input range)
• Operating Frequency: ~3.18 GHz (Microwave Doppler radar)
• Output Signal Level: 3.3V High (Motion detected) / 0V Low (Idle)
• Operating Current: ~2.8mA to 3mA (Typical)
• Detection Distance: 5 to 7 meters (Adjustable via onboard components)
• Detection Angle: 360-degree omnidirectional detection (No blind spots)
• Trigger Mode: Repeat trigger (Default)
• Output Delay Time: ~2 to 3 seconds (Default, adjustable)
• Regulated Output (3V3 pin): 3.3V DC output (Up to 100mA auxiliary load)
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to +80°C

Interface and Pinout Guide

• 3V3: Regulated 3.3V Output pin (Can be used to power low-current sensors or microcontrollers, up to 100mA).
• GND: Common Ground Reference.
• OUT: Digital Signal Output (Pulls HIGH to 3.3V when motion is detected; stays LOW at 0V when idle).
• VIN: Main Power Supply Input (4.0V to 28V DC).
• CDS: Light sensor disable pin. Connect an external photoresistor (LDR) or logic signal here to disable the output during daylight hours.

Onboard Adjustment Pads (Backside Solder Pads)

• C-TM (Delay Time Adjustment): Solder an SMD capacitor across these pads to increase the output pulse hold time (Default is ~2–3s without a capacitor).
• R-GN (Detection Distance Adjustment): Solder a 1MΩ SMD resistor across these pads to reduce the detection range from ~7 meters down to ~5 meters.
• R-CDS (Light Sensitivity Adjustment): Solder a surface-mount resistor in parallel with an external LDR to adjust the light threshold required to disable the module.

Key Features

• Doppler Radar Technology: Detects moving physical objects and humans rather than relying on infrared temperature changes, eliminating false triggers from direct sunlight or ambient heat.
• Non-Line-of-Sight Sensing: Penetrates non-metallic materials (plastic enclosures, wooden panels, glass, drywall), allowing full concealment inside housings and walls.
• 360-Degree Full-Sphere Coverage: Offers omnidirectional sensing around the antenna without optical lenses or Fresnel covers.
• Wide Operating Voltage: Accepts any DC voltage between 4.0V and 28V, making it directly compatible with 5V USB power, 12V automotive systems, or industrial 24V rails.

Common Applications

• Smart Lighting Automation: Hidden staircase lights, corridor occupancy lights, and closet illumination switches.
• Intruder Alarms & Security: Concealed perimeter motion tripwires and vehicle security sensors.
• Automatic Doors & Turnstiles: Triggering motorized doors, gates, and hands-free sanitary dispensers.
• Interactive Installations: Activating audio-visual displays or kiosk animations when visitors approach.

Usage Tips

• Metallic Shielding Avoidance: Do not mount the sensor inside metal enclosures or directly in front of large metal plates, as metal completely reflects microwave signals and creates blind zones.
• Power Supply Decoupling: Radar circuits are sensitive to power ripple. Powering from noisy low-cost switching power supplies can cause erratic false triggers. Add a 100µF electrolytic capacitor and a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor across VIN and GND if false triggers occur.
• Multi-Module Separation: If placing multiple RCWL-0516 modules in the same room or enclosure, maintain at least 1 meter of distance between them to prevent cross-frequency interference and mutual triggering.