Socionext Unveils New, Next-Generation Radar Sensors for IoT, Smart Home, and Other Applications

SC1230 Devices Detect Location and Movement, along with Presence, Direction and Distance

Socionext America Inc., a leading provider of advanced SoC solutions for a wide range of applications, introduced a new set of radio-wave ranging sensors providing highly sensitive, low-power sensor technology for a broad range of smart home and IoT devices.

The new compact, low-cost SC1230 Series includes two products that can detect the location and movement of individuals with ultra-high degrees of sensitivity. The SC1232AR3 measures the presence and the distance of an object, while the SC1233AR3 adds the ability to detect direction.  The two sensor options provide total flexibility for customers worldwide. Both are available now in samples, with volume production scheduled for the first quarter of 2020.

Click here for an image of the SC1230 Series

Socionext’s expertise in signal processing and circuit design technologies allows the new SC1230 Series to achieve ultra-low power consumption, ultra-compact size, and high performance, simultaneously. Incorporating basic signal processing functions into the sensor device reduces the number of external components, and makes it easier to use without specialized knowledge in signal processing. With a built-in antenna in a compact package of 9mm x 9mm operating at 0.5 mW, the SC1232 and SC1233 can be installed anywhere using battery power.

Benefits of Radar Sensors

Radar sensors such as the SC1230 series can detect location and movement of persons without recording images or sounds. They are useful for developing new services and functions based on information about “human behavior,” while also addressing privacy concerns. Radar sensor works without camera for presence detection, thus offering anonymity. Additionally, it can operate behind non-metallic surfaces, walls or plastic housing and generate behavioral data such as movement, direction and distance. In comparison with conventional radar sensors, the SC1230 require no advanced knowledge to implement. They are also smaller, far less power-hungry and easier to install in home appliances.

The SC1230 lineup fits into the new generation of technological devices in which digital transformation (DX) is taking center stage and delivering seamless integration between the physical and the digital world. The major elements for digital transformation involve highly sensitive, compact, low-cost, and low power sensing technology, which can be implemented to various IoT devices. These sensor devices represent the kinds of smart, efficient devices that are required to advance toward “Society 5.0” that shifts economic and social focus, blurring the frontier between cyberspace and the physical space.

Socionext will continue to explore the potential of new sensing technologies by developing radar sensor products and proposing new applications and solutions. The company aims at expanding the usage of the products, not only for home appliances but also for mobile devices and industrial equipment.

Read More: FoodTech Startup Flashes AI and Data Science Capabilities to Scoop $5 Million

SC1230 Series Sample Pricing (@100 units)

SC1232AR3: US$15.00 ea.
SC1233AR3: US$16.50 ea.

SC1230 Series Overview

All-in-one package radar sensor with built-in antenna, radio circuit, A/D converter and ranging calculation circuit. Comes with built-in motion detection function that detects the distance to an object and flags when movement is detected. Detection result can be quickly read after setting up the system from the host MCU via I²C/SPI. It operates at an average power consumption of approximately 0.5 mW for detection of persons operating at 0.1% duty cycle in motion detection mode.

SC1232AR3

The Digital Beam Shaper feature enables Field of View (FOV) selection of either 120 or 95 degrees. Detection range is 8m in the frontal direction.

Read More: Coinme Secures Commitments of $1.5 Million in Funding from Ripple’s Xpring and Blockchain Finance Fund

SC1233AR3

The dual receiving antenna system allows 2D angle detection by using an external MCU. FOV is 120 degrees, and the detection range is 8m in the front direction. For angle detection, it outputs pre-processed data by the built-in circuit, so angle information can be obtained with a simple calculation.

FOV is half-value angle. FOV and detection range with the actual usage vary depending on the surrounding environment.

Read More: Andreessen Horowitz Leads $44 Million Financing of Fivetran