The Ai-Thinker RD-60 is a compact, low-power 60GHz FMCW millimeter-wave radar module designed for human presence sensing, motion detection, micro-motion monitoring, tracking, gesture recognition, and smart IoT applications. It combines a high-performance 60GHz radar system with multi-protocol 2.4GHz wireless connectivity in a small SMD module.

The module integrates a 1-transmit and 3-receive antenna array, allowing flexible 1T1R, 1T2R, and 1T3R radar configurations. Its wide 120° horizontal and vertical field of view provides broad area coverage, while the detection range can extend up to approximately 8 metres depending on the target size, radar cross-section, installation conditions, and configuration.

Unlike conventional PIR sensors, the RD-60 can detect both normal human movement and very small body movements. This makes it suitable for applications such as stationary human presence detection, breathing and heartbeat sensing, occupancy monitoring, people tracking, gesture-based control, smart appliances, healthcare equipment, security devices, and intelligent home automation systems.

The module also integrates a 32-bit RISC processor and radar hardware accelerator for functions such as FFT processing, CFAR detection, moving-target detection, compression, and target localisation. UART and I²C interfaces are available for configuration and data communication. The default UART baud rate is 115200 bps and can support communication rates up to 3 Mbps.

Key Features

60GHz FMCW millimeter-wave radar technology
Radar operating frequency range of 58GHz to 64GHz
Wide continuous sweep bandwidth of up to 6GHz
Integrated 1T3R AiP radar antenna array
Supports 1T1R, 1T2R, and 1T3R operating configurations
Maximum sensing distance up to 8 metres
Minimum reference human sensing distance of approximately 0.01 metre
Wide 120° horizontal and 120° vertical detection field
Supports movement and stationary human presence detection
Capable of detecting human micro-movements
Suitable for breathing and heartbeat sensing applications
Supports target tracking, counting, and gesture recognition
Integrated BLE 5.3 wireless connectivity
Physical-layer support for BLE 5 and IEEE 802.15.4
Supports BLE 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 500 kbps, and 125 kbps PHY modes
UART and I²C communication interfaces
UART speed up to 3 Mbps
Default UART baud rate: 115200 bps
Four power-management modes: power-off, standby, idle, and working
Compact SMD24 package compatible with DIP-24 at 1.27mm spacing
Wide operating temperature range from -40°C to 85°C

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Model	RD-60
Radar Type	60GHz FMCW mmWave radar
Radar Frequency	58GHz to 64GHz
Radar Bandwidth	Up to 6GHz
Radar Antenna	Integrated AiP antenna
Antenna Configuration	1T3R, configurable as 1T1R, 1T2R, or 1T3R
Maximum Detection Distance	Up to 8m, target-dependent
Minimum Reference Detection Distance	Approximately 0.01m
Horizontal Field of View	120°
Vertical Field of View	120°
Radar EIRP	17.5dBm
Wireless Frequency	2400 to 2483.5MHz
Wireless Protocol	BLE 5.3, IEEE 802.15.4 physical-layer support
BLE Output Power	Typically 3dBm
BLE Receiver Sensitivity	Approximately -94dBm at 1Mbps
Interfaces	UART, I²C
UART Baud Rate	Default 115200 bps, up to 3 Mbps
Supply Voltage	1.7V to 5.5V
Recommended Supply	3.3V
Required Peak Supply Current	500mA or higher
GPIO Logic Supply	1.7V to 3.6V, typically 3.3V
Operating Temperature	-40°C to 85°C
Storage Temperature	-40°C to 125°C
Package	SMD24, DIP-24 compatible
Pin Spacing	1.27mm
Dimensions with Pin Header	22.5 × 18.5 × 5.8mm
Dimensions without Pin Header	22.5 × 18.5 × 1.6mm

Typical Applications

Human presence and occupancy detection
Stationary person detection
Human motion and micro-motion monitoring
Breathing and heartbeat detection
Smart lighting and automatic switching
People tracking and counting systems
Gesture-controlled appliances
Smart air conditioners
Smart refrigerators and televisions
Intelligent doorbells
Security and intrusion-detection systems
Healthcare and elderly-monitoring devices
Smart cockpit and automotive sensing
AIoT and home-automation projects
Contactless sensing systems
Energy-saving occupancy-control systems

Applications of RD60 Radar Module

Integration and Installation Notes

The radar antenna should face the required detection area and must not be covered by metal parts or other shielding materials. The module should be mounted firmly because vibration or movement of the module itself may affect detection performance.

Moving curtains, fans, pets, plants exposed to airflow, large reflective surfaces, or moving objects behind the radar may cause unwanted detections. When multiple 60GHz radar modules are installed nearby, they should not face each other directly and should be positioned with sufficient separation to reduce interference.

A stable 3.3V supply capable of providing at least 500mA peak current is recommended. The module GPIO operates at 3.3V logic, so an appropriate logic-level converter should be used when connecting it to a 5V controller.

Please Download the Datasheet Here

Package Includes

1 × Ai-Thinker RD-60 60GHz FMCW mmWave Radar Module

Product Disclaimer

Images are for representation only. The actual product appearance, antenna version, pin-header configuration, PCB marking, colour, and included accessories may vary depending on the available production batch.

Detection range and sensing accuracy depend on installation position, target size, radar cross-section, environmental reflections, movement, enclosure material, configuration, and surrounding interference. This is an engineering radar module and may require suitable firmware, configuration commands, interface circuitry, and application development before use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Ai-Thinker RD-60 module?

The RD-60 is a compact, low-power 60GHz FMCW millimeter-wave radar module designed for human presence detection, motion sensing, micro-motion detection, tracking, gesture recognition, and smart IoT applications.

2. What is the maximum detection range of the RD-60?

The RD-60 can detect targets at a distance of up to approximately 8 metres. The actual sensing range depends on the target size, radar cross-section, installation position, environmental conditions, and radar configuration.

3. Can the RD-60 detect a stationary person?

Yes. The module can detect small human body movements and micro-movements, making it suitable for stationary human presence detection. Performance may depend on the firmware and application configuration being used.

4. Can the RD-60 detect breathing and heartbeat?

The module is designed for applications involving human breathing and heartbeat detection. However, suitable firmware, signal-processing algorithms, correct installation, and proper configuration are required.

5. What is the detection angle of the RD-60?

The module provides a wide detection coverage of approximately:

Horizontal field of view: 120°
Vertical field of view: 120°

6. What radar frequency does the RD-60 use?

The RD-60 operates in the 58GHz to 64GHz radar frequency range and supports a continuous sweep bandwidth of up to 6GHz.

7. What does 1T3R mean?

1T3R means that the module has:

1 transmitting radar antenna
3 receiving radar antennas

The radar can also be configured for 1T1R, 1T2R, or 1T3R operation depending on the application.

8. Does the RD-60 support Bluetooth?

Yes. The module includes 2.4GHz wireless connectivity and supports Bluetooth Low Energy 5.3. It also supports BLE physical-layer modes of 1Mbps, 2Mbps, 500kbps, and 125kbps.

9. Which communication interfaces are supported?

The RD-60 supports:

UART
I²C

The default UART baud rate is 115200 bps, and the UART can support speeds up to 3Mbps.

10. What voltage is required to power the RD-60?

The main VCC supply range is 1.7V to 5.5V, with 3.3V recommended for typical applications. A stable power supply capable of providing at least 500mA peak current should be used.

11. Can the RD-60 be connected directly to a 5V Arduino?

The module VCC can accept up to 5.5V, but its GPIO and communication logic normally operate at 3.3V levels. Therefore, a logic-level converter should be used when connecting it to a 5V microcontroller such as an Arduino Uno.

12. Is the RD-60 compatible with ESP32?

Yes. The RD-60 can be interfaced with ESP32 boards through UART or I²C. Both devices commonly use 3.3V logic, which makes integration easier.

13. Is the RD-60 compatible with Arduino and Raspberry Pi?

Yes. It can be used with Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, and other microcontrollers or embedded systems that support UART or I²C communication. Proper power supply, logic levels, firmware, and communication commands are required.

14. Can the module detect through plastic or glass?

Millimeter-wave radar can operate through certain non-metallic enclosure materials, such as suitable plastic. Detection performance depends on the material thickness, composition, distance from the antenna, and enclosure design. Metal must not cover the radar antenna.

15. Can the RD-60 detect through walls?

The module may detect movement through some thin non-metallic materials, but it is not intended as a guaranteed through-wall detection sensor. Wall material, thickness, reinforcement, target size, and installation conditions greatly affect performance.

16. What can cause false detection?

False or unwanted detections may be caused by:

Moving curtains
Fans and air conditioners
Pets
Plants moving due to airflow
Vibrating mounting surfaces
Large reflective objects
Movement behind the radar
Nearby 60GHz radar modules
Improper power supply or installation

17. How should the RD-60 be installed?

The radar antenna should face the required detection area and remain free from metal shielding. The module must be mounted firmly, and moving objects should be avoided behind or near the radar.

18. Can multiple RD-60 modules be installed in the same area?

Yes, but multiple 60GHz radar modules should not face each other directly. Adequate spacing and careful placement are recommended to reduce mutual interference.

19. Does the RD-60 provide ready-to-use human presence data?

This depends on the firmware loaded on the module. The hardware supports radar sensing and processing, but configuration commands, output format, available functions, and detection algorithms may vary according to the firmware version.

20. Is programming required to use the RD-60?

In most applications, some configuration or programming is required to receive, process, or display radar data. Developers should refer to the compatible firmware protocol, command documentation, and example code.

21. Can the RD-60 count people?

The hardware supports applications such as human tracking and counting. However, actual people-counting capability depends on the firmware, algorithm, installation height, sensing area, and application design.

22. Can it be used for gesture recognition?

Yes. Gesture recognition is listed as one of the typical application areas for the module. Dedicated firmware and signal-processing algorithms may be required.

23. What is the size of the RD-60 module?

The module measures approximately:

22.5 × 18.5 × 5.8mm with pin headers
22.5 × 18.5 × 1.6mm without pin headers

24. What package type does the module use?

The RD-60 uses an SMD24 package and is compatible with a DIP-24 style arrangement with 1.27mm pin spacing.

25. What is the operating temperature range?

The module is designed to operate between -40°C and 85°C.

26. Does the product include a development board or USB converter?

No, unless specifically mentioned in the product package. The standard package contains only the RD-60 radar module. Development boards, USB-to-UART converters, cables, connectors, and microcontrollers may need to be purchased separately.

27. Is the RD-60 a medical-grade device?

No. The RD-60 is an electronic radar module intended for development and integration. It should not be treated as a certified medical diagnostic device unless incorporated into a separately tested and approved medical system.

28. Why may the actual detection distance differ from 8 metres?

The maximum detection distance depends on several factors, including target size, target orientation, radar cross-section, firmware settings, enclosure material, mounting position, environmental reflections, and surrounding interference.

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