Answering: Cyrus Nabavinegad, Product Owner at InnoSenT
Closely following in the footsteps of the IMD-3000, a new sensor joins the “InnoSenT Motion Detector” series: the IMD-2000. Like the rest of its product family, it is also used for motion detection. However, this new Radar module targets a different field of application – automated motion control. The product therefore takes on the tasks of a conventional motion detector as well as a proximity sensor. In a short interview, Cyrus Nabavinegad, Product Owner at InnoSenT, answers three questions about the product’s development and its related advantages. Discover here the features and functions of the latest addition to the IMD series.
1) What was the product designed for?
CN: The IMD-2000 is a motion detector, but thanks to its extended functions, it optimizes the performance of typical motion detector applications. The sensor uses FSK modulation and operates in the 24 GHz frequency band.
It detects moving objects and uses Radar waves to gather useful information about them, such as speed. What sets the product apart is that it also outputs data on the direction of movement and the distance, compared to classic motion detectors. It is intended for simple applications in the security sector, but also for the automatic control of building technology such as doors, access control systems, lights, healthcare applications and moving walkways.
With the IMD-2000, our goal was to fill a gap in the InnoSenT portfolio and in the market. Usually, CW modulations or infrared sensors are used in the low-cost segment, because additional functions have so far been considered too expensive and complicated. However, there was still demand in the market for a targeted automatic control system with more reliable performance.
A customer made the problem clear to us: the efficiency of traditional motion sensors is no longer sufficient. Because the sensors most commonly used on the market often only transmit “simplified” information about moving objects within the detection area. In certain environments, it is necessary to refine or filter the detection results. For example, for specific areas of interest. Such as an alarm system monitoring private property. The IMD-2000 solves this problem by collecting information on the distance of moving objects and allowing it to be filtered according to distance and monitoring areas.
2) 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 information and through various calculations, it also outputs a value for the estimated time of arrival (ETA) and displays the signal strength.
With this information, the customer can ideally adapt the motion detector’s function to their needs. And can do so with relative ease. The IMD-2000 is more than just a simple Radar component. We have already integrated a signal processing unit into it. The sensor outputs all Radar detections via a target list, which the user retrieves through a UART interface. Configuration is carried out via the supplied software, and the customer decides which detections are relevant to them.
Its enhanced range of functions means that the IMD-2000 stands out from the competition thanks to the additional information on objects and the filter functions.
At this point I would like to highlight in particular a few further advantages. The distance information allows customers to limit motion detection to a specific range or area. The Radar ignores people and objects that are further away. In fact, thanks to the resulting signal strength of an object, our customer can filter by object type (for example filtering between people and cars, since the reflections from a person have different values than those from a car).
Another special feature of the sensor is the detection of very low speeds. Since the IMD-2000 is used above all for security applications, it was important to be able to reliably detect stealthy people. For further details, simply consult the product datasheet on the website.
3) The InnoSenT range also includes other motion detection sensors. How does the IMD-2000 differ from the other motion sensors?
CN: In addition to their functions, our motion sensors also differ in their level of integration. We have three different standard products for the near range, which means we have the right solution for any motion detector application.
The SMR, for example, is a pure Radar front-end and only detects the motion and speed of objects using CW modulation, not the distance. The product is not equipped with signal processing – the customer has to handle this aspect themselves. This makes it extremely cost-effective and offers the leanest possible motion detection. The SMR is in high demand and we produce the front end in large quantities, because for some uses its function alone is sufficient.
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. Furthermore, it boasts integrated signal processing. It offers efficient and more precise motion detection, while still remaining in 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 a higher resolution. It also has a tracking function 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, easy-to-use variant. In short: when reliability matters, customers choose the IMD-2000. It stands out in particular compared to infrared technology in that Radar technology works independently of weather, temperature or light conditions. This makes the sensor ideal for outdoor applications. Furthermore, thanks to its compact size, it fits any product design and can even be hidden behind a plastic cover. The customer has additional filtering options available, allowing them to make individual adjustments and increase efficiency. With the IMD-2000, you get more for your motion detector application at a low price.