RCWL-0516 motion detector - Doppler radar, up to 7 m, 4-28 V

Product Overview

• Motion detector for Arduino and Raspberry Pi based on Doppler radar
• Detection range of up to 7 m, fully wired setup
• Operating voltage: 4 to 28 V
• Digital output for motion detection
• No warm-up phase required
• Miniature modules in complete electronics/Miniature modules for integration projects

Product Description

A Doppler radar-based motion detector detects movement by emitting high-frequency waves and evaluating reflections. The module operates immediately upon power-up, so no warm-up phase is required. The digital interface immediately provides a low or high signal as soon as motion is detected.

The detection range extends up to 7 m, enabling the monitoring of larger rooms or corridors under conditions of moderate resolution. Outdoors or in the presence of obstacles, the effective range may vary. The operating voltage of 4 to 28 V makes the module compatible with many Arduino-compatible boards and allows it to be operated directly with power supplies from approximately 5 V nominal voltage, without requiring external level shifters.

Typical applications include automatic light switches, alarm and monitoring systems, motion-controlled clearing of display lock screens, or activation of notifications in robotics projects. Radar technology is particularly valuable in environments with obstacles or temperature variations, where infrared sensors may be unreliable.

Only a few components are required for integration. The digital output can be connected directly to a microcontroller input; a power supply separate from the Arduino board is not required, provided that the Arduino itself still has sufficient available power capacity.

Safety Notice

This module is intended exclusively for building prototypes and for testing and development purposes. It is not intended for installation in household electrical circuits or for continuous operation in production systems. When designing safety systems or automatic circuits based on this sensor, its response reliability limitations must be taken into account, and appropriate protective circuits or fallback solutions must be implemented. Work on or near electrical installations must be carried out by qualified electricians; if you are unsure about safe power supply arrangements, consult a qualified electrician before commissioning.

Scope of Delivery

• 1x RCWL-0516 - Motion detector, Doppler radar module