What is Microwave Sensing: A Complete Guide to Major Tech Sensors


Microwave sensors, also known as radar sensors, are electronic devices that use microwave radiation to detect motion or presence. They are widely used in various applications, including but not limited to lighting control, security systems and energy saving installation.

How Microwave Sensing Works

Microwave sensors function by continuously transmitting electromagnetic waves at a specific frequency, commonly 5.8GHz/24GHz in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) band. When these waves encounter moving objects, they reflect back to the sensor with a slightly different frequency due to the Doppler effect. The sensor's receiver analyzes these frequency variations to determine motion presence (5.8GHz) or presence (24GHz).

The fundamental advantage of microwave technology is its ability to penetrate non-metallic materials. This means the sensors can detect movement through doors, glass panes, and thin walls, providing versatile installation options that infrared sensors cannot match. The waves propagate in a three-dimensional pattern, creating comprehensive coverage zones that can be precisely adjusted for specific applications.

Applications and Major Tech's Complete Range

Major Tech offers four distinct microwave sensor models, each tailored for specific applications.

Indoor Applications:

  • MS360: Surface-mount 360° sensor offering flexible indoor installation options
  • MS361: Standard 360° microwave sensor for direct ceiling mounting, ideal for homes, educational facilities, and commercial properties
  • MS363: Flush-mount 360° sensor for installations requiring aesthetic integration
  • MS370: Offers true presence sensing, surface mount installation, 360° detection
  • MS371: Flush Mount sensor that offers true presence sensing, 360° detection, and sensor integration.
  • Outdoor/Versatile Applications:
  • MS362: 360°/180° outdoor microwave sensor designed for weather-resistant installations

These sensors excel in applications where traditional PIR sensors face limitations. Warehouses, parking garages, and areas with temperature variations benefit from microwave technology's immunity to thermal interference. Commercial properties utilize these sensors for lighting control in conference rooms, offices, and corridors where consistent detection through partitions is essential.

Advantages and Limitations

Microwave sensors offer superior sensitivity, detecting the slightest of movements that might escape infrared detection. They maintain consistent performance across varying temperature conditions and can operate effectively in environments with air currents, dust, or humidity that might trigger false alarms in other sensor types. Major Tech's models demonstrate energy efficiency, saving up to 60% on lighting costs through intelligent occupancy-based control.

However, microwave sensors can be overly sensitive, potentially detecting movement outside intended areas. Their ability to detect through glass panels, dry walling, while advantageous, can also cause unwanted triggering from adjacent spaces. Additionally, the active transmission nature means slightly higher power consumption compared to passive alternatives (0.9W vs 0.5W)

Conclusion

Microwave sensing technology offers unparalleled detection capabilities for applications requiring high sensitivity and versatile installation options. Major Tech's comprehensive four-model range addresses diverse needs from basic indoor motion detection to sophisticated outdoor security applications. The 5.8GHzf (motion) or 24GHz (presence) frequency, adjustable sensitivity settings, and penetration capabilities make these sensors ideal for modern smart building applications where reliable, intelligent lighting control enhances both energy efficiency and user convenience.

 

Visit: https://www.major-tech.com/ to view Major Tech’s Microwave sensor Range.

Tel: +27 86 162 5678

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