RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Motion Sensor Module – 3.3V Output

Product Description

The RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Motion Sensor Module is an advanced motion detection sensor that uses microwave Doppler radar to accurately detect moving objects through materials like wood, plastic, and even thin metal. Unlike traditional passive infrared (PIR) sensors, the RCWL-0516 is not affected by ambient temperature and can detect motion with high sensitivity and longer range.

Designed for integration with microcontrollers and embedded systems, this module provides a 3.3 V logic-level output, making it ideal for ESP32, STM32, Raspberry Pi (3.3 V I/O), and other 3.3 V-based platforms. It’s widely used in automation, security systems, smart lighting, robotics, and presence sensing applications.

✨ Key Features

• Microwave Doppler radar motion sensing (CW radar)

• 3.3 V output logic level (directly compatible with 3.3 V microcontrollers)

• High sensitivity with adjustable detection range

• Capable of detecting motion through thin materials

• Works in all lighting conditions (day/night)

• Low power consumption

• Outputs digital HIGH when motion is detected

• Small, compact module for easy integration

• Ideal for security, automation, and smart systems

📐 Technical Specifications

🌟 General

• Model: RCWL-0516

• Sensing Type: Microwave Doppler radar (continuous wave)

• Output Logic: 3.3 V

• Operating Voltage: Typically 4 V to 28 V DC* (see note below)

• Recommended Operating Voltage: 5 V with 3.3 V output logic level

• Output: Digital HIGH when motion detected

• Sensor Frequency: ~3.18 GHz microwave

• Detection Range: Up to 5–7 m (varies with environment & installation)

• Operating Temperature: ~-20 °C to +70 °C

• Dimensions: Compact PCB module

* Although the module can be powered with a range including 4–28 V, the logic output will be at 3.3 V. Use level shifting if interfacing with 5 V microcontrollers without 3.3 V I/O compatibility.

🧰 Typical Applications

• Motion-activated lighting systems

• Security and intrusion detection

• Smart home presence sensors

• Robotics and autonomous systems

• Automatic door triggers

• Energy saving systems (e.g., HVAC control)

• Interactive art and installations

🛠️ How It Works (Quick Overview)

1. Power the module with a suitable DC supply (commonly 5 V).

2. Mount the sensor facing the area to monitor.

3. Connect the output to a 3.3 V microcontroller input (e.g., ESP32).

4. When motion is detected, the output transitions HIGH (3.3 V).

5. Use the signal in your code to trigger actions such as alerts or activation of devices.

📌 Notes & Tips

• The module detects motion, not presence — it senses changes in microwave reflections.

• Avoid placing the sensor near large metallic objects or sources of interference.

• Fine-tune placement height and orientation to optimize detection range.

• If used with 5 V microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino Uno), ensure proper level shifting if connecting output directly.