FMCW Radar (Microwave/Millimeter Wave)

Microwave & Radar Technology

Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave

INDEX

01FMCW Radar and Sensing
02Value of FMCW Sensors
03Optex’s Unique Strengths and Applications

FMCW Radar and Sensing

FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) transmits a “chirp signal” whose frequency changes continuously and determines distance from the frequency difference (beat frequency) between the transmitted and reflected waves. Unlike the Doppler methods introduced on the Microwave page, FMCW’s key feature is its ability to measure distance itself.

Value of FMCW Sensors

FMCW is a sensing method that provides stable distance information by analyzing the frequency difference between transmitted and received waves.

Distance Measurement: Calculates the distance to a target in centimeters
Relative Speed Measurement: Detects the presence or absence of movement from phase changes
Highly Resistant to Environmental Conditions: Operates under conditions that are challenging for optical methods, such as rain, fog, and backlighting

FMCW is particularly effective in applications that are difficult for Doppler methods, such as detecting the presence of a vehicle and determining whether a vehicle is stationary.

Optex’s Unique Strengths and Applications

Application to Vehicle Detection Sensors

Optex applies FMCW technology to vehicle detection for parking lots and gate systems. It accurately detects vehicles entering, remaining in, and leaving parking spaces and gates. Even in applications that traditionally required metal-detecting ground loops to be embedded underground, FMCW allows pole-mounted installation, enabling shorter installation times and eliminating road-surface work while also helping reduce operational labor and environmental impact.

“Vehicle-Only Detection” That Reliably Distinguishes People from Vehicles

To replace conventional ground loops, which respond only to metal, the sensor must avoid detecting non-metallic objects such as people. Optex leverages the wealth of information obtained through FMCW to distinguish people from vehicles, enabling “vehicle-only detection” that instantly and reliably detects vehicles alone.

Expert Interview

Takahiro Mizuta

DepartmentSmart Mobility Solution Business Div. Engineering & Development Dept.

FMCW Is a Core Technology Driving Installation Innovation

The greatest appeal of FMCW is its ability to detect objects with high precision, but Optex’s strength lies in already translating that capability into value in real-world applications. Traditionally, underground ground loops were the standard for vehicle detection in parking lots, requiring long installation times and high costs. By replacing them with FMCW, we are creating a new market for vehicle detection without the need for digging.
By designing all of these technologies in-house, Optex can develop highly accurate algorithms that suppress environmental noise, allowing us to respond flexibly to site-specific challenges such as rain, wind, vehicle body color, and slopes. We are also conducting applied research to support long-range applications.

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OTHER
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