Microwave Sensors

1. Military Institute of Science and
Technology
Microwave Theory and Techniques
EECE 6502

2. Microwave Sensors: Advancing Technology
for Enhanced Sensing and Automation
Instructor:
Lt. Col. Md. Aminul Islam, PhD,
EME
Instructor Class ‘A’ (Associate
Professor)
Department of EECE
Military Institute of Science and
Technology
Presenter:
H.M. Maruf Rahman Shuvo
Student ID: 0423160001
Department of EECE
MSc. in EECE
Military Institute of Science and
Technology

3. Overview of Microwave Sensors
Microwave Sensors: A class of remote sensing devices that
utilize electromagnetic waves in the microwave frequency range
for various applications.
How Microwave Sensors Work:
Microwave Sensors work through the interaction of microwave
radiation with the target or environment. A transmitter generates
gigahertz frequency microwave signals and sends them out. These
signals can penetrate materials like plastics, glass, and fabrics.
When they encounter an object or boundary, they interact, causing
reflection, refraction, diffraction, or absorption. The receiver
captures the modified signals, extracting valuable information
about the target's properties or environmental conditions.

4. Key Characteristics:
• Non-Contact Sensing
• All-Weather Operation
• High Penetration Capability
• Fast Response Time
• High Accuracy and Precision
Types of Microwave sensors:
i. Doppler Radar Sensors
ii. Continuous Wave Radar Sensors
iii. Imaging Radar Sensors

5. Doppler Radar Sensor
RCWL-9196
Principle of Operation:
The Doppler radar sensor operates based on
the "Doppler Effect”. When the sensor
emits microwave signals towards a moving
target, the frequency of the reflected waves
changes based on the target's velocity. If the
target is moving towards the sensor, the
frequency of the reflected waves increases
(higher pitch).If the target is moving away
from the sensor, the frequency of the
reflected waves decreases (lower pitch).By
analyzing these frequency shifts, the sensor
can determine the target's speed and
direction of movement.
Applications:
• Traffic Speed
Measurement
• Weather Radar
• Sports and Health
care
• Security and
Surveillance
• Automotive Safety

6. Continuous Wave Radar Sensors
Principle of Operation:
Continuous Wave (CW) radar sensors
emit a continuous microwave signal
without interruption. The sensor
simultaneously transmits and receives
signals, measuring the frequency
difference between the transmitted and
received waves. When the signal
encounters a target, it reflects back to
the sensor, resulting in a frequency shift
known as the Doppler Effect. By
analyzing this frequency shift, the CW
radar can determine the target's velocity
and direction of movement.
AWR-1843
Applications:
• Speed Measurement
• Motion Detection
• Level Measurement
• Altimetry
• FMCW Radar

7. Imaging Radar Sensors
Principle of Operation:
Imaging Radar systems use the principles
of radar technology to capture and process
reflected signals from objects in the radar's
field of view. Unlike traditional radar that
provides range and velocity information,
imaging radar collects data from multiple
angles to create detailed images of the
target area. The radar's antenna emits
electromagnetic waves, which bounce off
objects and return as echoes to the sensor.
By analyzing the time delay, amplitude, and
phase of these echoes, the imaging radar
system constructs high-resolution images.
Applications:
• Earth Observation
• Weather Radar
• Synthetic Aperture
Radar
• Planetary Exploration

8. Applications of Microwave Sensors
• Motion Detection and Security Systems
• Automotive Collision Avoidance Systems
• Weather Forecasting and Monitoring
• Industrial Level Measurement and Control
• Medical Imaging Applications
• Air Traffic Control and Navigation
• Ground Penetrating Radar
• Remote Sensing and Earth Observation
• Satellite Communication
• Aerospace and Defense
• Traffic Speed Measurement
• Short-range Wireless Communication

9. Advantages of Microwave Sensors:
• All-weather Operation
• Not-contact Sensing
• High Accuracy and Precision
• Wide area coverage
• Immune to dust, smoke and most environmental factors
Limitations of Microwave Sensors:
• Vulnerable to interface
• Limited resolution for some applications
• Power consumption

10. Comparison with other sensing
Technologies
1. Microwave Sensors:
- All-weather operation
- Longer range
- Penetrate obstacles
2. Infrared Sensors:
- Limited by environmental factors
- Shorter range
- Higher resolution for motion and temperature
3. Ultrasonic Sensors:
- Non-contact
- Best for indoor distance measurement

11. 4. LiDAR Sensors:
- High-resolution imaging
- Affected by fog and dust
5. Optical Sensors:
- Require line-of-sight
- High-resolution imaging
6. Passive Sensors:
- Rely on natural radiation
- Used in Earth observation and astronomy

12. Future Trends in Microwave Sensor
Technology
1. Miniaturization and Integration
2. Enhanced Signal Processing
3. Higher Frequencies and Bandwidths
4. 5G and Beyond
5. Advanced Imaging Techniques
6. Cognitive Radar
7. Improved Energy Efficiency
8. Quantum Radar
9. Environmental Sensing
10.Space Applications

13. Conclusion
In conclusion, the future of microwave sensors holds great
promise. Advancements in miniaturization, signal processing,
higher frequencies, and integration with 5G and cognitive radar
will lead to more intelligent and versatile sensors. Quantum radar
and improved energy efficiency will further enhance their
capabilities. Microwave sensors are set to revolutionize industries,
from environmental monitoring to space exploration and
autonomous systems, offering transformative applications and
pushing the boundaries of sensing technology.

14. Q&A
(QUESTION AND
ANSWER)

15. THANK YOU