NJR4652: the 60 GHz radar for presence detection and access control
Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc. is a Japanese company that, after acquiring the renowned New Japan Radio, a leader in microwave sensing, develops easily integrable RADAR sensors with a wide detection area and low power consumption.
Among the company’s extensive range, distributed in Italy by CONSYSTEM, is the new NJR4652, a 60 GHz RADAR micro-module among the smallest in the world thanks to its ultra-compact package (10 x 13.4 x 1.2 mm). The sensor is able to simultaneously detect position information (distance and angle) of people or objects, whether stationary or moving.
The NJR4652 is an all-in-one ready-to-go solution that incorporates an antenna, a microwave RF circuit, a baseband IF circuit and a processor with integrated signal processing, significantly simplifying the hardware design of the complete product.
It has numerous available interfaces (UART, SPI, I²C, USB, GPIO), requires a 3.6V power supply and draws about 30mA in “pulse” mode.
It is possible to install two different types of software on the sensor, directly connected to the main applications of the NJR4652: presence detection (Presence Detection) and access control (Entrance Counter).
In terms of application sectors, this RADAR module is a solution easily adaptable to different fields: from industry (lighting, presence and motion detection, etc.) to building automation, as well as smart home.
Why a RADAR module for access control?
Compared to other sensors used for presence detection and access control applications (infrared, ultrasonic, laser…), those based on RADAR technology are the most advantageous from several points of view. They guarantee, in fact, greater sensitivity (ideal for detecting slight movements), a wider coverage field and a continuous detection field. In addition, they make it possible to monitor very large areas, work in any weather, light and dark conditions, and withstand the elements, making them the ideal solution in all environments, including “harsh” ones.
Furthermore, unlike other technologies often used in access control applications such as cameras, RADAR sensors like the NJR4652 allow completely anonymous monitoring, ensuring full privacy compliance.
The “segmentation” functionality
The NJR4652 also supports a new functionality called “segmentation”: the radar is able to divide/segment into zones the space in which the target is located/moving, so as to be able to provide each zone with the service it needs (e.g. lighting dimming, air conditioning adjustment, etc.).
This allows, first of all, significant cost savings due to the modulation of the switching on/off of these services in the defined zones (the rooms of an office or a home, for example) based on their occupancy. In addition, “segmentation” also enables a smart and safe user experience: lighting, for example, can be activated in a given zone when the person is heading there, rather than waiting for the exact moment of their arrival.
As for the HVAC (Industrial Air Conditioning) field, knowing the position and movement angle of people within the various zones of a space allows the ventilation system to modulate fan speed based on user proximity, thereby optimizing the delivery of the service according to people’s position, for an optimal experience and climate.
Or, in the case of smart speakers (voice assistants), segmentation makes it possible to identify the person giving voice commands in order to help eliminate background voices or noise, thereby improving accuracy.
Segmentation is also useful in terms of privacy: for example, the radar can be installed on a laptop screen to provide an “anti-peeking” function by adjusting its visibility as soon as someone gets too close to the user.
Possible alternatives for tracking people’s movements with this level of precision could be cameras and sophisticated video processing algorithms, which however represent very costly solutions that consume a lot of energy and present privacy-related issues.
Where to find the NJR4652 RADAR module
The NJR4652 by Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc. is distributed in Italy by CONSYSTEM which, thanks to its long-standing partnership with the manufacturer and the technical expertise of its specialists dedicated to the RADAR field, guides customers from design-in through to after-sales support, helping them choose the solution best suited to their needs.
Main technical characteristics
| Micro-Module | All-in-one from antenna to signal processing |
| RF Frequency | Japan: 60.0 to 60.5 GHz
U.S.A. / Europe: 61.0 to 61.5 GHz |
| Output Transmission Power | E.I.R.P. typ. +7.5 dBm |
| Field Of View (FOV) | ±45° V plane / ±45° H plane |
| Input Voltage Range | 3.6 – 5.5 V |
| Current Consumption | @3.6V
Min 13mA Average 30mA Max 155mA |
| Maximum Detection Range | Macro-Motions: 10m
Micro-Motions: 5m |
| Operating Temperature Range | -20 to +70 ℃ |
| Dimensions | (L) 10 x (W) 13.4 x (H) 1.2 mm |
| Application software | Presence Detection
Entrance Counter |