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RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Motion Sensor Module – Human Body Detection Switch (2021 Version, 5-8m Range)

SKU: FA3007-4-1
Operating Voltage

4V – 28V DC
Operating Current

2.8mA typical, 3mA maximum
Operating Frequency

Approximately 3.181GHz
Detection Distance

5 – 8 meters
Output Level

3.3V HIGH when detected / 0V idle
Output Current Capability

100mA maximum
Trigger Hold Time

Approximately 2 – 3 seconds
Operating Temperature

-20°C to +80°C

The RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Motion Sensor Module (2021 Version) is a compact, low-cost human motion detection sensor based on Doppler radar technology. It is designed as a powerful alternative to traditional PIR (Passive Infrared) sensors, offering unique advantages including penetration detection capability and immunity to temperature and humidity variations. This 2021 version provides a detection range of 5 to 8 meters, making it suitable for a wide range of indoor and outdoor sensing applications.

Unlike PIR sensors that detect human infrared radiation, the RCWL-0516 transmits a microwave signal at approximately 3.2GHz and analyzes the reflected waves to detect movement. This Doppler radar principle allows the module to detect moving objects through glass, drywall, thin walls, ceilings, and floors — a capability that PIR sensors cannot match. The module responds to any moving object with sufficient density, including humans, animals, and vehicles, making it highly versatile but also requiring consideration of false triggers from non-human movement.

The module uses a dedicated signal processing control chip, the RCWL-9196, which functions similarly to the BISS0001 chip found in PIR sensors. The microwave section consists of a high-frequency NPN transistor and a clever PCB trace antenna that acts as a Colpitts oscillator, simultaneously transmitting, receiving, and mixing signals. The resulting Doppler shift is amplified and processed to generate a clean digital output.

The module operates from a wide 4V to 28V DC supply and includes an onboard 3.3V regulator capable of supplying up to 100mA to external devices. When motion is detected, the OUT pin goes HIGH (3.3V) and remains HIGH for approximately 2 to 3 seconds before returning to idle. The module also features a CDS pin for connecting an external photoresistor, enabling automatic daytime disable to save energy.

The RCWL-0516 is widely used in automatic lighting control, security alarm systems, smart home automation, industrial proximity sensing, energy-saving switches, and occupancy detection. Its 5–8 meter detection range and 360-degree sensing area make it suitable for room-level presence detection and outdoor applications where PIR sensors would be unreliable due to temperature extremes.

Important Note: The module is not waterproof and requires a protective enclosure for outdoor use. During installation, ensure the component side faces the detection area, and maintain at least 1cm clearance behind the module to avoid interference from the PCB itself. Metal objects near the module can cause false triggers or reduce sensitivity. Keep the module away from Wi-Fi routers and other RF devices to minimize interference.

Whether you are building an automatic lighting system, a security alarm, or a smart presence detector, the RCWL-0516 provides a reliable, low-cost solution with capabilities that go beyond traditional PIR sensors. It is suitable for individual makers, students, and businesses purchasing in bulk for product development or educational programs.

Features

  • Doppler radar technology — Transmits ~3.2GHz microwaves to detect moving objects

  • Penetration detection capability — Can detect through glass, thin walls, ceilings, and other non-metallic materials

  • 5–8 meter detection range — Suitable for room-level presence detection

  • 360-degree sensing area — No blind spots within the detection zone

  • Wide operating voltage — 4V to 28V DC, with onboard 3.3V/100mA regulated output

  • Digital output — Outputs 3.3V HIGH when motion is detected, lasting approximately 2–3 seconds

  • CDS light control function — Can connect external photoresistor for automatic daytime disable

  • Adjustable trigger time — Via C-TM capacitor pad

  • Low power consumption — Typical operating current only 2.8mA

  • 3.3V logic compatible — Output can directly connect to ESP32, Arduino, and other MCUs

Technical Specifications 

# Parameter Specification
1 Operating Voltage 4V – 28V DC
2 Operating Current 2.8mA typical, 3mA maximum
3 Operating Frequency Approximately 3.181GHz
4 Detection Distance 5 – 8 meters
5 Output Level 3.3V HIGH when detected / 0V idle
6 Output Current Capability 100mA maximum
7 Trigger Hold Time Approximately 2 – 3 seconds
8 Operating Temperature -20°C to +80°C

Usage

Getting Started

  1. Power supply — Connect the VIN pin to a 4V–28V DC power source and the GND pin to ground. The module has an onboard 3.3V regulated output (3V3 pin) capable of supplying up to 100mA.

  2. Connect output — Connect the OUT pin to a digital input on your MCU (e.g., D2 on Arduino, any GPIO on ESP32). When motion is detected, OUT outputs 3.3V HIGH.

  3. Light control (optional) — To disable detection during daylight, connect a photoresistor and voltage divider to the CDS pin. When CDS voltage drops below 0.7V, OUT will remain LOW.

  4. Trigger time adjustment (optional) — Solder a capacitor to the C-TM pad to extend the repeat trigger hold time.

  5. Test — After power-up, the module begins operating immediately. Move your hand within the detection range and observe the OUT pin level changes and MCU serial output.

Pin Definitions

Pin Function
3V3 3.3V regulated output (100mA max)
GND Power ground
OUT Digital output: 3.3V HIGH when motion detected, 0V idle
VIN Power input: 4V – 28V DC
CDS Light control input: below 0.7V disables output; connect external photoresistor

Arduino Example Code

cpp
#define SENSOR_PIN 2  // OUT connected to D2

void setup() {
  pinMode(SENSOR_PIN, INPUT);
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  int sensorValue = digitalRead(SENSOR_PIN);
  if (sensorValue == HIGH) {
    Serial.println("Motion Detected!");
  }
  delay(100);
}

Typical Applications

  • Automatic lighting control — Automatically turn on lights when human motion is detected

  • Security alarm systems — Act as an intrusion detection sensor

  • Smart home devices — Trigger scene linkage and automation

  • Industrial automation — Non-contact proximity sensing

  • Energy-saving control — Activate devices only when people are present

  • Occupancy detection — Monitor room usage for HVAC and lighting control

Installation Notes

  • Component side faces detection area — The side with components should face the object being detected

  • Avoid metal obstructions — Avoid metal objects in front and behind; maintain at least 1cm clearance behind

  • Stay away from RF interference sources — Avoid proximity to Wi-Fi routers and other devices to prevent false triggering

  • Not waterproof — Requires a waterproof enclosure for outdoor use

Notes for Business Buyers

  • PIR alternative — Penetration detection capability suitable for scenarios where PIR cannot work

  • Wide voltage compatibility — 4V–28V supply range adapts to various systems

  • Low power design — 2.8mA operating current suitable for battery-powered applications

  • Suitable for bulk purchasing — Ideal for security product manufacturers, smart lighting integrators, and educational institutions

Q: What is the difference between RCWL-0516 and PIR sensors (such as HC-SR501)?

RCWL-0516 uses microwave Doppler radar to detect any moving object and can penetrate glass, thin walls, and other non-metallic materials. PIR sensors detect human infrared radiation, can only detect within line of sight, and cannot penetrate obstacles.

Q: What is the detection range?

The 2021 version provides a detection range of 5 to 8 meters, suitable for room-level presence detection and outdoor applications.

Q: What form does the output signal take?

When motion is detected, the OUT pin outputs 3.3V HIGH, remaining HIGH for approximately 2–3 seconds before automatically returning to LOW (0V).

Q: Can the module detect through walls?

Yes. The RCWL-0516 can penetrate glass, drywall, thin walls, ceilings, and floors to detect motion. However, penetration will reduce detection distance — the thicker the obstacle, the shorter the effective range.

Q: How do I implement automatic daytime disable?

Connect a photoresistor and voltage divider to the CDS pin. When CDS voltage drops below 0.7V, OUT remains LOW and the module stops detecting.

Q: What is the module's power supply range?

4V to 28V DC. The module also provides a 3.3V regulated output (100mA max) that can power low-power MCUs.

Q: Why does the module false trigger?

Common causes include: proximity to Wi-Fi routers and other RF devices, power supply noise, and metal objects moving within the detection range. Try changing the installation location or filtering the power supply.

Q: Is the module waterproof?

No. Outdoor use requires a waterproof enclosure, otherwise moisture will cause malfunction.

Q: How do I adjust the trigger hold time?

Solder a capacitor to the C-TM pad. The larger the capacitor, the longer the repeat trigger hold time.

Q: Can I purchase in bulk for product development?

Yes. This module is suitable for bulk purchasing by security product manufacturers, smart lighting integrators, automation equipment manufacturers, and educational institutions.

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