What are radar sensors?

Radar is an object detection system using radio waves. The benefits of radar include: Reliable outdoor use. Radar sensors are resistant to wind, falling rain and snow, fog, and sunlight. They are less affected by temperature fluctuations and operate in a wider range of temperatures than competing technologies. Long sensing range for flexible mounting. More durable and less downtime than other technologies. Banner's radar sensors utilize Frequency Modulated Continuous Waves (FMCW). FMCW radiates continuous transmission power and changes its operating frequency during the measurement. FMCW measures the frequency shift between emitted and received signals. FMCW radar can detect both moving and stationary targets (doppler cannot see stationary targets).

What do the different frequencies do?

Banner offers two different radar frequencies: 24 GHz and 122 GHz. The 24 GHz has a longer range and is most immune to ambient weather, but has a much coarser accuracy. The 122 GHz has higher precision, can see a wider range of targets, and is resistant to ambient weather.

Where should I use a radar sensor?

Radar sensors are an ideal solution for applications where you need to detect a vehicle or avoid a collision when moving equipment. For example, radar can be used for: Vehicle detection--including cars, trucks, and trains--in traffic & parking applications, toll booths, loading docks, drive-thrus, shipping canals, and railroads Collision avoidance in ports and manufacturing (i.e. overhead and gantry cranes) Collision avoidance for on-board mobile equipment (i.e., reach stackers, forklifts, and mining vehicles) Collision avoidance in low-visibility factory environments (i.e., overhead bridge cranes) Level measurement while looking through steam or dust where ultrasonic might struggle Provide reliable position feedback (i.e., reach stackers or ground support equiptment like baggage handlers or de-icing vehicles)

What objects can radar sensors detect?

The objects a radar sensor can detect depends on the operating frequency of the sensor and the dialectric constant of the material. Lower frequency sensors (24 GHz) require a higher dialectric constant, such as metal or large amounts of water. Higher frequency sensors (122 GHz) can see much more, including non-ferrous targets glass, wood, or other organic materials.

Does the target have to be moving for a radar sensor to detect it?

No, radar sensors from Banner Engineering use Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW), which can detect both stationary and moving targets. Moving targets do provide more powerful reflections compared to stationary targets.

Can radar detect people, or will nearby people interfere with sensing the target?

A higher frequency radar sensor (122 GHz) will more reliably detect people but is not intended to be used in personnel detection as a safety rated device. Depending on sensor sensitivity settings, a person could interfere with sensing the intended target if a person is near the sensor and within the sensor's direct field of view.

What is the difference between adjustable field and retro-reflective radar sensors?

An adjustable field (diffuse) radar sensor can detect vehicles and other objects by sensing the reflection of the radio waves bouncing off the object. Optimal targets include: Large metallic objects that reflect a lot of radio waves, a property referred to as a large “radar cross section.” Objects that have surfaces that are perpendicular to the radar beam pattern to reflect the radio signal directly back to the sensor. Adjustable field radar sensors have configurable “set-point distances,” where the sensor will use the time between emitted pulse and reflected signal detection to calculate how far away a sensed object is from the sensor and only turn the output on when the object is within the set-point distance. A retro-reflective radar sensor uses a taught reference condition like a wall, floor, or special retro-reflective target. The sensor detects objects between it and the reference target by looking for disruptions in the signal coming back from the reference target. This type of sensing can sense objects even if they do not have a good radar cross section, but they must block the signal reflection from the reference target. This makes retro-reflective radar sensors the most robust radar sensing option. The QT50R has a separate retro-reflective model, however any T30R sensor can be configured as a retro-reflective sensor by setting a distance window around a reference target.

What is the dead zone for radar sensors?

24 GHz radar sensors from Banner have a typical “dead zone” of 0.4 meters for moving targets and 1 meter for stationary targets. What this means is different depending on whether the sensor is adjustable field or retro-reflective: Adjustable field sensors - the sensor cannot reliably sense objects within the dead zone, but it is still possible. Retro-reflective sensors - the retro-reflective target cannot be placed within the dead zone, but an object within the dead zone can still be sensed because it interrupts the signal from the reflector target. 122 GHz radar sensors have a 150 mm dead zone for detection and 300 mm dead zone for an analog measurement.

Can radar sensors have two independently set outputs?

Yes, depending on the series. Most radar sensors from Banner Engineering have an option with two zones with an independent output for each zone.

When would I use a radar sensor with two zones?

It is common to use two zones in a collision avoidance applications. For example, one long-range zone can be used as a “slow down” signal, and the other short-range zone can be used as a “stop” signal. Two zones can also be used to determine if the object is getting closer to or farther away from the sensor.

Can radar sensors tell me which way an object is moving?

Yes, by using two zones or an analog output, the radar sensor can tell which way an object is moving. But it can only determine if the object is getting closer or farther away, not if it is moving left or right.

Are there analog radar sensors?

Yes, the Q240 radar sensor and the T30R have analog versions that can be used for long range distance gauging (for example, port applications where the position of the crane needs to be measured).

Can radar sensors be used outdoors?

Yes, radar sensors can be effectively used outdoors. The housings are rated IP67 for reliable operation in harsh environments.

Is radar susceptible to rain, snow, sleet, sand, or other weather conditions?

Radar sensors are resistant to extreme temperatures, falling snow, fog, heavy rain, humidity, and strong wind. They are also immune to error from sunlight. They have no moving parts and are resistant to vibration from nearby traffic and heavy machinery. Weather shields are also available to prevent rain/snow accumulation on the face of the sensor. The sensor can be placed in special fiberglass enclosures (radar can transmit through some materials) if the application requires it. Sensitivity or signal strength threshold adjustments can also be used to further ignore harsh ambient conditions.

What is a radar sensor's beam pattern?

The beam pattern for each sensor is defined by its antennae and remains constant.

How wide is a radar sensor's beam?

The effective beam pattern chart for each sensor is provided in its datasheet. If the sensor’s beam pattern is too wide, consider using a narrow-beam sensor. The effective beam width varies with the sensor, the distance to the target, the radar cross section of the target, and the sensor’s sensitivity (signal strength threshold) setting.

What does adjusting the sensitivity (signal strength threshold) do?

Changing the sensitivity of a radar sensor can be used to ignore unwanted weak targets within the field of view of the sensor (focusing the beam on the main target you want to see vs. smaller objects in the beam path). This is especially useful to ignore heavy rain with the T30R.

How should I mount a radar sensor to account for beam width?

When mounting the sensor, consider both the vertical beam pattern and the horizontal beam pattern. You may want to rotate the sensor 90 degrees to reduce the field of view of the sensor to ignore unwanted reflections.

Can you locate two radar sensors next to each other without cross talk issues?

Yes. Radio waves travel at the speed of light. Each radar sensor knows when it should be receiving the radio pulse reflected from its target and is generally resistant to crosstalk.

What might help to fix a chattering/flickering/intermittent output?

If a radar sensor's output is chattering when the target is fully within the field of view of the sensor, you could increase the response speed and/or the sensitivity of the radar sensor to make the output more consistent.

Can I use radar sensors in my country?

Banner's radar sensors are certified for use in many regions including the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, China, Australia, New Zealand, and more. Additional approvals are pending. Contact Banner Engineering with specific requests.

How do I choose a radar sensor model that is approved in my country?

Country certifications are listed in the product datasheets. Contact Banner if you do not see the country needed. With recent FCC changes, we can now offer EU models in the US and other countries. EU models use a wider frequency bandwidth to achieve shorter dead-zones. If you have specific questions, please contact Banner Engineering.

雷达传感器常见问题

雷达传感器通常用于各种车辆探测和防撞应用，尤其是户外部署的最佳选择。请继续阅读，了解有关雷达传感器的更多信息，并查看常见问题的解答。

问：什么是雷达传感器？

雷达是一种利用无线电波探测物体的系统。雷达的优点包括

可靠的户外使用。雷达传感器可抵御风、雨雪、雾和阳光。与同类技术相比，它们受温度波动的影响较小，工作温度范围更广。
传感范围大，安装灵活。
与其他技术相比，更耐用，停机时间更短。

Banner 的雷达传感器采用调频连续波 (FMCW)。FMCW 发射持续的传输功率，并在测量过程中改变其工作频率。FMCW 测量发射信号和接收信号之间的频率偏移。FMCW 雷达既能探测移动的 ，也能探测静止的 目标（多普勒雷达无法看到静止目标）。

问：不同频率有什么作用？

Banner 提供两种不同的雷达频率：24 千兆赫和 122 千兆赫。24 千兆赫的范围更远，对周围天气的影响最小，但精度更低。122 GHz 具有更高的精度，能看到更广泛的目标，并能抵御环境气候的影响。

问: 应该在哪里使用雷达传感器？

雷达传感器是一种理想的解决方案，适用于需要检测车辆或避免移动设备发生碰撞的应用。例如，雷达可用于：

车辆检测（包括汽车、卡车和火车）交通和停车应用、收费站、装载码头、汽车餐厅、运河和铁路
港口和制造业（如桥式起重机和龙门起重机）的防撞措施
车载移动设备（如前移式堆垛机、叉车和采矿车辆）的防碰撞功能
在能见度低的工厂环境（如桥式起重机）中避免碰撞
在超声波难以穿过的蒸汽或灰尘中进行液位测量
提供可靠的位置反馈（例如，前移式堆垛机或地面支持设备，如行李处理机或除冰车）

进一步了解车辆检测解决方案

车辆检测

邦纳工程公司为车辆检测提供许多有线和无线解决方案，我们与您合作，将正确的技术与您的应用相匹配。

阅读更多信息

问：雷达传感器能探测到哪些物体？

雷达传感器能探测到的物体取决于传感器的工作频率和材料的介电常数。低频传感器（24 千兆赫）需要更高的介电常数，如金属或大量的水。更高频率的传感器（122 千兆赫）可以看到更多，包括非铁目标玻璃、木材或其他有机材料。

问：目标是否必须在移动中才能被雷达传感器探测到？

不是，Banner 工程公司的雷达传感器使用的是频率调制连续波 (FMCW)，既能探测静止目标，也能探测移动目标。与静止目标相比，移动目标确实能提供更强的反射效果。

问：雷达能否探测到人，或者附近的人会不会干扰对目标的探测？

更高频率的雷达传感器（122 千兆赫）可以更可靠地探测到人员，但并不打算作为安全等级设备用于人员探测。根据传感器的灵敏度设置，如果人靠近传感器并在传感器的直接视场内，可能会干扰对预定目标的感应。

问：可调磁场雷达传感器和逆反射雷达传感器有什么区别？

可调场（漫射）雷达传感器 可通过感应物体反射的无线电波来探测车辆和其他物体。最佳目标包括

大型金属物体会反射大量无线电波，这种特性被称为大 "雷达截面"。
表面与雷达波束模式垂直的物体，可将无线电信号直接反射回传感器。

可调磁场雷达传感器具有可配置的 "设定点距离"，传感器将利用发射脉冲和反射信号检测之间的时间来计算被感应物体距离传感器有多远，只有当物体在设定点距离内时才打开输出。

逆反射雷达传感器使用教导参考条件，如墙壁、地板或特殊逆反射目标。传感器会寻找从参考目标返回的信号中的干扰，来检测它和参考目标之间的物体。

这种传感方式即使雷达截面不佳的物体也能感应到，但它们必须阻挡参考目标的信号反射。这使得逆反射雷达传感器成为最可靠的雷达传感选择。

QT50R 有单独的逆反射型号，但任何 T30R 传感器都可以通过设置参考目标周围的距离窗口配置为逆反射传感器。

问：什么是雷达传感器的死区？

班纳公司的 24 千兆赫雷达传感器对移动目标的 "盲区 "一般为 0.4 米，对静止目标的 "盲区 "一般为 1 米。根据传感器是可调磁场型还是逆反射型，其含义也有所不同：

可调磁场传感器- 传感器无法可靠地感应到死区内的物体，但仍有可能。
逆反射传感器- 逆向反射目标不能置于死区内，但死区内的物体仍能被感应到，因为它会干扰反射目标发出的信号。

122 千兆赫雷达传感器的探测盲区为 150 毫米，模拟测量盲区为 300 毫米。

问：雷达传感器能否有两个独立设置的输出？

是的，取决于系列。Banner 工程公司的大多数雷达传感器都有两个分区选项，每个分区都有独立的输出。

问: 何时使用双区雷达传感器？

在防撞应用中，通常会使用两个防撞区。例如，一个长距离区域可用作 "减速 "信号，另一个短距离区域可用作 "停车 "信号。还可以使用两个区域来确定物体是离传感器越来越近还是越来越远。

问：雷达传感器能否告诉我一个物体在朝哪个方向移动？

是的，通过使用两个区域或模拟输出，雷达传感器可以判断出物体的移动方向。But it can only determine if the object is getting closer or farther away, not if it is moving left or right.

问：有模拟雷达传感器吗？

是的，Q240 雷达传感器和 T30R 有模拟版本，可用于远距离测量（例如，需要测量起重机位置的港口应用）。

问：雷达传感器可以在室外使用吗？

是的，雷达传感器可以在户外有效使用。外壳防护等级为 IP67，可在恶劣环境中可靠运行。

问：雷达是否容易受到雨、雪、雨夹雪、风沙或其他天气条件的影响？

雷达传感器可抵御极端温度、降雪、大雾、暴雨、潮湿和强风。它们也不会受到阳光的影响。它们没有活动部件，可抵御附近交通和重型机械的振动。

还可提供防雨罩，防止雨雪积聚在传感器表面。如果应用需要，传感器可以放置在特殊的玻璃纤维外壳中（雷达可以穿过某些材料）。

灵敏度或信号强度阈值调整也可用于进一步忽略恶劣的环境条件。

问：什么是雷达传感器的波束模式？

每个传感器的波束模式由其天线确定，并保持不变。

问：雷达传感器的波束有多宽？

每个传感器的有效光束模式图都在其数据表中提供。如果传感器的光束模式太宽，可考虑使用窄光束传感器。有效波束宽度随传感器、与目标的距离、目标的雷达截面以及传感器的灵敏度（信号强度阈值）设置而变化。

问: 调整灵敏度（信号强度阈值）有什么作用？

改变雷达传感器的灵敏度可用于忽略传感器视场内不需要的微弱目标（将光束聚焦在您想看到的主要目标上，而不是光束路径上的较小物体上）。这对于使用 T30R 来忽略大雨特别有用。

问: 应如何安装雷达传感器以考虑波束宽度？

安装传感器时，既要考虑垂直光束模式，也要考虑水平光束模式。您可能需要将传感器旋转 90 度，以缩小传感器的视野，从而忽略不必要的反射。

问：能否将两个相邻的雷达传感器定位在一起，而不会出现串扰问题？

是的。无线电波以光速传播。每个雷达传感器都知道自己什么时候应该接收到目标反射的无线电脉冲，而且一般都能抵御串扰。

问: 雷达能否探测储罐中的液位？

The T30R can be used to detect liquid level in a tank and has an added benefit of a longer range than ultrasonic to work larger tanks.

问：怎样才能解决输出抖动/闪烁/间歇的问题？

如果雷达传感器的输出在目标完全进入传感器视野时出现抖动，可以提高雷达传感器的响应速度和/或灵敏度，使输出更加一致。

问: 在我国可以使用雷达传感器吗？

Banner 的雷达传感器经认证可在美国、英国、欧洲、中国、澳大利亚、新西兰等多个地区使用。更多审批正在等待中。如有具体要求，请联系班纳工程公司。

问: 如何选择符合本国国情的雷达传感器型号？

产品数据表中列出了国家认证。如果您没有找到所需的国家，请联系班纳公司。

随着最近 FCC 的变化，我们现在可以在美国和其他国家提供欧盟型号。欧盟型号使用更宽的频率带宽，以实现更短的死区。如有具体问题，请联系班纳工程公司。

特色产品

T30R Radar Sensor for Detecting the Widest Range of Objects

The T30R sensor is a longer-range alternative to ultrasonic sensors, and provides more reliable detection and position feedback in extreme outdoor conditions and other challenging environments. It features a shorter dead zone, better accuracy, and the ability to see a wider range of targets than traditional 24GHz radar sensors.