Novelda aims radar modules at smart-home sensing
The so-called XeThru technology is a microwave radar system integrated on a CMOS chip that can act as ground-probing radar, a sensor for human vital signs monitoring, personal security, environmental monitoring, industrial automation and robotics. According to reports from about 2011 it is makes use of a design style that does not use synchronous clock-based digital logic and thereby achieves lower power consumption while accelerating processing speed.
The first generaton X1 CMOS transceiver, previously called the NVA6100, has been designed into land mine detectors, snow depth measurement systems, rescue equipment and other applications. The X2, previously called the NVA6201, operates at a lower frequency than the X1 and can therefore look deeper into the ground and through lightweight building materials. It has been in production with foundry TSMC for about a year.
The two sensor modules are the X2M200 respiratory module and the X2M300 presence module both can work at distances of up to several meters and do not require line of sight.
The X2M300 module is intended for smart home automation where its capability for detecting human presence while being integrated into a building’s structure enables hidden, tamper-proof sensing. As well as security and comfort applications, such as the convenient actuation of lighting and environmental controls, this module can enhance home safety, especially for the elderly or people who live alone, using the absence of normal activity to raise an alarm. It has a range of up to about 4.8 meters and an acquisition time of about 1s.
The X2M200 sensor module is designed for respiration monitoring of people of all ages for health and welfare purposes. It is particularly suited for sleep improvement systems and detecting sleep anomalies or other medical conditions. XeThru’s non-contact technology provides a reliable but non-intrusive way to monitor respiration and movement, capturing breathing patterns and frequency without being blocked by cot blankets or other obstacles. The X2M200 has a sensor range from 0.5m up to 2.8m. The acquisition time is about 10s.
Next: Price and availability
Multiple sensors can operate in the same space and each module consumes less than 400mW power. The modules measure 50mm by 70mm and have SPI and USB serial interfaces. They are also pending FCC and ETSI approval.
Novelda also offers a XeThru development kit at a price of $1499. This includes two sensor modules and interface boards for connection to a computer and software that supports module configuration, visualisation of sensor data and the ability to record data for later analysis.
"Today, we release two very advanced XeThru sensors for creative designers to develop advanced sleep improvement systems and extremely sensitive presence sensors. These are just two examples from an endless list of applications for these sensors," said Novelda CEO, Alf-Egil Bogen.
Pricing for the X2M300 is expected to be around $69.00 each in 1000 piece quantities and for the X2M200 around $76.00 each in 1000 piece quantities.
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