Compact RF sensors detect vehicle passenger movement
The SC1260 series of RF ranging sensors by Socionext is designed for automotive applications. It detects position and movement of vehicle passengers with maximum accuracy, said the company.
It uses the 60GHz frequency band and time division multiplexing (TDM-MIMO) operation with multiple transmitting and receiving antennas to detect the position and movement of passengers in a vehicle.
The monolithic device incorporates antennas and radar signal operation circuits to achieve maximum detection accuracy in a low power, compact package. The sensors are supplied in an FC-BGA measuring 6.0 x 9.0 x 1.2mm.
The sensors use a wide band of 6.8GHz (57.1 to 63.9GHz) with an expanded number of receiving antennas by TDM-MIMO operation and built-in radar signal operation circuits for range finding and angle calculation. Moreover, TDM-MIMO operation enables high-precision sensing, such as the detection of passengers when three people are sitting in a row inside the vehicle, said Socionext.
The SC1260 sensors enable acquisition of 3D position information without requiring advanced expertise in high frequency devices and signal operation, said Socionext. The single package integrates antennas, RF circuits, AD converters, FIFO memory, serial peripheral interface (SPI) and intelligent power control sequencer for flexible duty cycle control. It requires just 0.72mW at 0.1 per cent duty cycle operation.
Typical applications are tracking the position and movements of passengers in a vehicle while suppressing the load on the vehicle battery when the engine is off.
The SC1260 series complies with the global broadband 60GHz radio equipment standard. Sample and evaluation kit shipments are available now, with production volumes to be available in Q1 2024.
Socionext specialises in sensing applications and offers a portfolio of RF sensor devices.
