Ai-Thinker RD-60-Kit 60GHz mmWave Radar Development and Evaluation Board

650.00 excl GST

10 in stock

Product Short Description

The Ai-Thinker RD-60-Kit is a development and evaluation board for RD-60 and RD-61 60GHz FMCW radar modules. It features dual USB Type-C UART interfaces, TTL communication, onboard status LEDs, control buttons, selectable power options, low-power testing support, radar-module sockets, and GPIO breakout connections for rapid radar application development.

SKU: ro-1719 Category: Tag:

The Ai-Thinker RD-60-Kit is a development and evaluation board designed for testing, configuring, and developing applications using Ai-Thinker’s RD-60 and RD-61 60GHz FMCW millimeter-wave radar modules. It provides an easy-to-use hardware platform with USB Type-C connectivity, UART communication, status indicators, control buttons, selectable power options, and access to the available radar-module interfaces.

The board is particularly useful for developers who want to evaluate human presence detection, motion sensing, micro-motion monitoring, smart lighting, security, home automation, and intelligent appliance applications without designing a custom carrier board at the initial development stage.

The RD-60-Kit includes separate command and radar-data communication interfaces. Its UART0 USB Type-C port is used for sending configuration and control commands, while the UART1 USB Type-C port is used for receiving radar data and communicating with the supported PC host software. This makes parameter configuration, point-cloud data viewing, testing, and firmware development more convenient.

Important Note

RD-60 and RD-61 radar modules are not included with this development board. They must be purchased separately according to your application requirements.

Key Features

  • Official evaluation board for Ai-Thinker 60GHz radar modules
  • Supports both RD-60 and RD-61 radar modules
  • Dedicated sockets for easy radar-module installation
  • Two USB Type-C communication interfaces
  • Separate UART command and radar-data ports
  • Dual TTL serial interfaces
  • Supports simultaneous command transmission and data output
  • Compatible with supported PC host software
  • Suitable for radar point-cloud viewing and parameter adjustment
  • Three onboard status indicator LEDs
  • Human-presence status indication
  • Reset, wake-up, and firmware-burn buttons
  • Function-selection DIP switch
  • Selectable 3.3V and 5V power configurations
  • Supports Type-C and pin-header power input
  • Supports low-power-consumption testing
  • Breaks out available module GPIO and interface pins
  • Compact board size of approximately 42 × 70mm

Product Overview

The RD-60-Kit simplifies the development process by providing the supporting circuitry required to operate and communicate with the compatible radar modules. Developers can mount either an RD-60 or RD-61 module on the corresponding socket, connect the board to a computer using USB Type-C cables, and begin testing the radar output.

The board contains:

  • Three onboard LEDs
  • Three control buttons
  • Two radar-module sockets
  • One power-selection switch
  • One function-selection DIP switch
  • Two USB Type-C interfaces
  • Dual-row GPIO breakout headers

The board can be used for initial radar evaluation, firmware testing, host-computer communication, low-power measurement, and prototype development.

Technical Specifications

Parameter Specification
Product Model RD-60-Kit
Product Type 60GHz radar development and evaluation board
Supported Radar Modules Ai-Thinker RD-60 and RD-61
Board Dimensions 42 × 70mm, approximately
Operating Temperature -20°C to 70°C
Storage Temperature -40°C to 125°C
Storage Humidity Below 90% RH
Supply Voltage Range 1.7V to 5.5V
Typical Supply Voltage 3.3V
Recommended Supply Capability 500mA or higher
USB Interface 2 × USB Type-C
Serial Interfaces UART0 and UART1
TTL Interfaces Dual TTL interface
Indicator LEDs 3, red, blue, and green
Power Input Methods USB Type-C or pin header
RD-60 Socket 24-pin female header, 1.27mm pitch
RD-61 Socket 8-pin female header, 1.27mm pitch
Control Buttons Reset, wake-up, and firmware burn
Configuration Control Function-selection DIP switch
GPIO Reference Voltage 3.3V

USB Type-C Interface Functions

UART0 Command Port

The UART0 Type-C interface is used to send control and configuration commands to the installed radar module. It can be connected directly to a computer using a suitable USB Type-C data cable.

UART1 Radar Data Port

The UART1 Type-C interface is used to receive radar output data. It can communicate with compatible host-computer software for radar-data monitoring, parameter testing, and supported point-cloud display functions.

Both USB connections may require the appropriate USB-to-serial driver to be installed on the computer.

Supported Radar Modules

RD-60 Interface

The RD-60 socket uses a 24-pin female header with 1.27mm spacing. The module must be installed in the correct orientation according to the board markings.

RD-61 Interface

The RD-61 socket uses an 8-pin female header with 1.27mm spacing. It provides a convenient connection for evaluating the compact RD-61 radar module.

Only the compatible radar module should be fitted in its designated socket. Correct orientation must be verified before applying power.

Onboard Indicator LEDs

The board includes three status LEDs:

Indicator Function
LED1 Reserved or application-dependent indicator
LED2 Human-presence detection status
LED3 Power indication

The LED2 connection differs depending on whether an RD-60 or RD-61 module is installed. The board provides an LED-selection interface to configure the correct connection.

Onboard Buttons

Reset Button

The reset button manually resets the installed radar module. The reset input is active low.

Wake-Up Button

The wake-up button is connected to the module’s wake-up GPIO and may be used when the installed module is configured for deep-sleep operation. This is a reserved or firmware-dependent function.

Firmware Burn Button

The burn button is used to place the radar module into firmware programming mode. According to the manufacturer’s procedure, the button must be held while the board is power-cycled or the USB Type-C cable is reconnected. Pressing the reset and burn buttons together may not enter firmware-download mode.

Power-Supply Options

The RD-60-Kit supports two primary power-input methods:

  • USB Type-C power supply
  • External pin-header power supply

USB Type-C power is recommended for general evaluation and development.

The board also provides selectable power routing for 3.3V and 5V external inputs. The correct switch and jumper configuration must be selected according to the applied input voltage.

For 5V input, the onboard regulated 3.3V supply should be selected. For a regulated 3.3V external supply, the direct VCC option may be used.

Low-Power Testing

The board supports low-power testing for battery-operated and energy-efficient radar applications. The manufacturer specifies an average baseboard consumption of approximately 30.74µA under its stated test conditions.

Reported test values with compatible radar modules include:

Configuration Operating State Typical Average Consumption
RD-60-Kit baseboard Without radar activity 30.74µA
With RD-60 Unoccupied state 77.82µA
With RD-60 Occupied state 1.67mA
With RD-61 Unoccupied state 56.25µA
With RD-61 Occupied state 1.67mA

These figures were measured under specific laboratory conditions using low-power firmware and a 3.3V supply. Actual consumption may vary with firmware, communication activity, connected equipment, configuration, and power-supply design.

Typical Applications

  • RD-60 radar-module evaluation
  • RD-61 radar-module evaluation
  • Human-presence detection development
  • Stationary-person sensing
  • Motion and micro-motion detection
  • Radar parameter configuration
  • Radar point-cloud testing
  • Smart lighting control
  • Home and office occupancy monitoring
  • Smart appliance development
  • Security and intrusion detection
  • Elderly-care monitoring prototypes
  • Energy-saving automation systems
  • Battery-powered radar-device development
  • UART and host-computer radar testing
  • Firmware programming and debugging
  • Academic and research projects

Advantages of Using the RD-60-Kit

The RD-60-Kit removes the need to design a separate carrier PCB during the initial evaluation stage. It provides regulated power options, USB-to-UART communication, module sockets, test indicators, control buttons, and accessible GPIO connections on a single board.

This allows developers to quickly:

  • Test RD-60 and RD-61 modules
  • Send radar configuration commands
  • Receive and monitor radar data
  • Change communication routing
  • Test human-presence indication
  • Measure low-power performance
  • Program compatible module firmware
  • Connect external peripherals
  • Develop proof-of-concept applications

Package Includes

  • 1 × Ai-Thinker RD-60-Kit Radar Development Board

Download Datasheet Here

 

Important Package Note

The RD-60 or RD-61 radar module is not included unless specifically mentioned in the product package or selected product variation. Radar modules, USB Type-C data cables, programmers, external sensors, jumper wires, and other accessories may need to be purchased separately.

Product Disclaimer

Images are for representation only. The actual PCB colour, component placement, markings, switches, connectors, included accessories, and hardware revision may vary depending on the available manufacturing batch.

The development board must be configured correctly before applying power. Incorrect jumper placement, reversed module installation, unsuitable voltage, incorrect switch selection, or improper firmware programming may damage the board or radar module.

Host-computer software compatibility, point-cloud functions, output format, and available configuration options may depend on the installed radar module and firmware version. Specifications are subject to revision by the manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

The RD-60-Kit is a development and evaluation board designed for testing, configuring, and developing applications using compatible Ai-Thinker 60GHz radar modules.

2. Are the RD-60 and RD-61 radar modules included?

No. The RD-60 and RD-61 radar modules are not included with the development board and must be purchased separately.

3. Which radar modules are compatible with the RD-60-Kit?

The development board is designed to support:

  • Ai-Thinker RD-60
  • Ai-Thinker RD-61

The correct module must be installed in its designated socket.

4. Can both RD-60 and RD-61 be used at the same time?

The board provides sockets for both module types, but it is generally intended for evaluating one compatible radar module at a time. The correct power, switch, and interface configuration should be selected before use.

5. What is the purpose of the two USB Type-C ports?

The board provides separate USB Type-C interfaces for command communication and radar-data output.

  • UART0 is used for configuration and command transmission.
  • UART1 is used for receiving radar output data and communicating with compatible PC software.

6. Are USB Type-C cables included?

USB Type-C cables are not included unless specifically mentioned in the package contents. Suitable data cables may need to be purchased separately.

7. Does the board support direct PC connection?

Yes. The RD-60-Kit can be connected to a computer through its USB Type-C ports for serial communication, radar configuration, testing, and data monitoring.

8. Is a USB driver required?

A compatible USB-to-serial driver may be required depending on the USB interface chip used on the board and the operating system of the computer.

9. Can the board display radar data on a PC?

Yes. The UART1 interface can be used with compatible Ai-Thinker host software for viewing radar output, adjusting supported parameters, and analysing available radar information.

10. Does the kit support point-cloud display?

The board may support point-cloud display when used with a compatible radar module, firmware version, and host-computer software. Available functions depend on the installed module and firmware.

11. What power supply does the board require?

The board can generally be powered through USB Type-C or an external power-input header. USB power is recommended for normal evaluation and testing.

12. Can I power the board using 5V?

Yes. The board supports a 5V input when the correct onboard power-selection configuration is used. The board then provides the required regulated voltage for the compatible radar module.

13. Can I power the board directly with 3.3V?

Yes. A regulated 3.3V supply may be used through the appropriate input and switch configuration. The polarity and jumper settings must be checked carefully before powering the board.

14. What current capacity is recommended?

A stable power source capable of supplying at least 500mA is recommended to support the board and radar module during operation.

15. What are the onboard LEDs used for?

The board includes status LEDs for functions such as:

  • Power indication
  • Human-presence status
  • Reserved or firmware-dependent indication

The exact LED function may depend on the installed radar module and board configuration.

16. What is the reset button used for?

The reset button restarts the installed radar module and is useful during configuration, testing, firmware development, and troubleshooting.

17. What is the wake-up button used for?

The wake-up button may be used to wake the radar module from a supported low-power or deep-sleep mode. Its operation depends on the installed firmware.

18. What is the firmware-burn button used for?

The firmware-burn button is used to place the compatible radar module into firmware programming or download mode.

19. Can firmware be uploaded through the development board?

Yes. The board is designed to support firmware programming of compatible radar modules. The correct button sequence, USB connection, firmware tool, and module-specific procedure must be followed.

20. Can the board be used with Arduino or ESP32?

Yes. The exposed TTL serial and GPIO connections can be connected to Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, or other development platforms. Logic-level compatibility and correct pin connections must be verified.

21. Does the RD-60-Kit support TTL UART output?

Yes. The board provides TTL serial interfaces for communication with external microcontrollers and embedded systems.

22. Can the board be used without a computer?

Yes. After configuration, the board and radar module may be connected to an external controller through TTL UART or accessible GPIO pins. Actual standalone operation depends on the firmware and application design.

23. Can the board detect human presence by itself?

No. The RD-60-Kit is primarily a carrier and evaluation board. A compatible RD-60 or RD-61 radar module must be installed for radar-based human presence detection.

24. Can it detect stationary people?

Stationary-person and micro-motion detection capabilities depend on the installed radar module, firmware, parameter settings, mounting position, and surrounding environment.

25. Can it detect breathing or heartbeat?

This depends on the sensing capabilities of the installed radar module and the firmware being used. The development board itself does not perform radar sensing without a compatible module.

26. Does the kit support low-power testing?

Yes. The development board is designed to support low-power evaluation of compatible radar modules. Actual current consumption depends on the radar module, firmware, operating state, USB connection, and external peripherals.

27. Can current consumption be measured while USB is connected?

USB communication circuitry may increase total current consumption. For accurate low-power measurements, follow the manufacturer’s recommended power-routing and test procedure.

28. What is the approximate size of the board?

The RD-60-Kit measures approximately 42 × 70mm.

29. What is the operating temperature range?

The specified operating temperature range is approximately -20°C to 70°C. The board should be kept away from condensation, excessive moisture, and unsuitable industrial environments unless properly protected.

30. Can both USB ports be connected simultaneously?

Yes. Both ports may be connected simultaneously when separate command and radar-data communication are required.

31. What should be checked before installing the radar module?

Before installation:

  • Confirm the module model.
  • Check the correct socket.
  • Verify the module orientation.
  • Disconnect the power supply.
  • Check the jumper and switch positions.
  • Ensure that no pins are bent or shorted.

32. What happens if the radar module is installed in reverse?

Incorrect installation may damage the radar module, development board, or connected computer. Always follow the board markings and pin orientation before applying power.

33. Does the package include both radar-module sockets?

The board includes the physical interfaces intended for RD-60 and RD-61 modules. The radar modules themselves are not included.

34. What is included in the package?

The standard package includes:

  • 1 × Ai-Thinker RD-60-Kit Development Board

RD-60 module, RD-61 module, USB cables, jumper wires, and other accessories are not included unless specifically mentioned.

35. Is this a ready-to-use commercial sensor?

The RD-60-Kit is a development and evaluation platform. It may require a compatible radar module, firmware, host software, parameter configuration, and application development before use in a finished product.

36. Why is no radar data appearing on the computer?

Check the following:

  • A compatible radar module is installed.
  • The module orientation is correct.
  • The correct USB Type-C port is connected.
  • The USB cable supports data transfer.
  • The required driver is installed.
  • The correct COM port and baud rate are selected.
  • The module has suitable firmware.
  • The power and DIP-switch settings are correct.

37. Why is the presence LED not working?

The presence LED may depend on the selected module, firmware, GPIO mapping, and LED-selection configuration. Verify the module type and board switch or jumper settings.

38. Is technical knowledge required to use this kit?

Basic knowledge of UART communication, firmware programming, power-supply selection, and radar-module configuration is recommended.

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Ai-Thinker RD-60-Kit 60GHz mmWave Radar Development and Evaluation Board

Ai-Thinker RD-60-Kit 60GHz mmWave Radar Development and Evaluation Board

650.00 excl GST

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