24GHz mmWave Human Presence & Motion Detection Sensor

The Waveshare 24GHz mmWave Human Presence and Motion Detection Sensor is a compact radar-based sensor module designed to detect human presence, movement and subtle body movements. Using advanced Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar technology, this sensor can identify moving, stationary and micro-moving human targets, making it ideal for smart home automation, intelligent lighting, security systems and IoT applications.

Unlike traditional PIR motion sensors that primarily detect changes in infrared radiation, this 24GHz mmWave radar sensor can detect small human movements, helping maintain occupancy detection even when a person is sitting relatively still.

Based on the SXKMXXX0 mmWave sensor SoC, the module features an integrated microcontroller, onboard 24GHz antenna system and built-in human micro-motion detection algorithms. Its compact 20 × 20mm design and low power consumption make it easy to integrate into embedded electronics and automation projects.

With UART and GPIO interfaces, the sensor can be connected to development platforms such as Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, Raspberry Pi Pico and Jetson Nano.

Key Features

• 24GHz mmWave Radar Technology: Uses FMCW radar technology for human presence and motion detection.

• Human Presence Detection: Detects moving people, subtle body movements and stationary human presence.

• Micro-Motion Sensing: Detects small movements that conventional PIR sensors may miss.

• Long Detection Range: Detects moving human targets up to 8m and micro-motion targets up to 6m when wall-mounted.

• Wide Detection Angle: ±60° detection coverage.

• Adjustable Sensitivity: Configure detection sensitivity independently for different distance ranges to help reduce unwanted triggers.

• Configurable Detection Settings: Supports adjustment of sensing distance, sensitivity and absence reporting delay.

• UART and GPIO Interfaces: Enables integration with microcontrollers and embedded systems.

• Fast Response: 100ms data refresh cycle.

• Compact Design: Measures only 20 × 20mm for easy installation.

• Low Power Consumption: Operates from a 3.3V DC power supply with approximately 50mA average operating current.

• Multiple Platform Support: Development resources available for Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, RP2040 and Jetson Nano.

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

• Brand: Waveshare

• Model: HMMD-mmWave-Sensor

• Manufacturer SKU: 26536

• Sensor Type: Human Presence and Micro-Motion Radar Sensor

• Radar Chip: SXKMXXX0

• Operating Frequency: 24–24.25GHz

• Bandwidth: 0.25GHz

• Radar Technology: FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave)

• Antenna Configuration: Integrated 1T1R antenna system

• Operating Voltage: 3.3V DC

• Average Operating Current: 50mA

• Communication Interfaces: UART and GPIO

• Default UART Baud Rate: 115200bps

• Operating Temperature: -40°C to +85°C

• Dimensions: 20 × 20mm

Detection Performance

• Wall-Mounted Moving Human Detection: Up to 8m

• Wall-Mounted Micro-Motion Detection: Up to 6m

• Ceiling/Top-Mounted Moving Human Detection: Up to 5m

• Ceiling/Top-Mounted Micro-Motion Detection: Up to 4m

• Detection Angle: ±60°

• Distance Resolution: 0.7m

• Detection Accuracy: ±0.35m for moving targets within an 8m radial distance

• Data Refresh Rate: 100ms

Advanced Human Presence and Micro-Motion Detection

The Waveshare HMMD mmWave Sensor uses radar signal processing and human detection algorithms to identify human presence within its sensing area.

It supports three main detection conditions:

• Moving Human Detection: Detects people walking or moving through the monitored area.

• Micro-Motion Detection: Detects subtle movements such as small body movements while sitting or standing.

• Stationary Human Presence Detection: Helps identify human occupancy even when there is very little visible movement.

This makes the module particularly useful in smart lighting and occupancy-based automation systems where conventional PIR motion sensors may switch off lights when occupants remain relatively still.

Adjustable Detection Sensitivity and Range

The sensor supports configurable detection parameters through its UART communication interface.

Users can adjust:

• Detection distance range

• Sensitivity for individual distance ranges

• Absence reporting delay

These settings allow the sensor to be adapted to different room sizes, installation positions and operating environments.

UART and GPIO Connectivity

The module provides both UART communication and GPIO output for easy integration with microcontrollers and embedded systems.

The UART interface allows developers to receive sensor data and configure operating parameters, while the GPIO interface provides an additional output option for presence detection applications.

Waveshare provides development resources and examples for:

• Arduino

• ESP32

• Raspberry Pi

• Raspberry Pi Pico / RP2040

• NVIDIA Jetson Nano

A compatible USB-to-UART adapter can also be used for configuration and debugging through the supported host software.

Wall-Mounted and Ceiling-Mounted Detection

The sensor supports different installation orientations depending on the application.

Wall-Mounted Installation

• Moving human detection: Up to 8m

• Micro-motion detection: Up to 6m

Ceiling/Top-Mounted Installation

• Moving human detection: Up to 5m

• Micro-motion detection: Up to 4m

Actual detection performance may vary depending on installation position, surrounding objects, environmental conditions and sensor configuration.

Typical Applications

• Smart home automation and occupancy sensing

• Automatic lighting and energy-saving systems

• Human presence detection for ESP32 and Arduino projects

• Smart office and meeting room occupancy monitoring

• Intelligent security and monitoring systems

• Smart building automation

• Contactless human detection systems

• IoT and AIoT development projects

• Embedded radar sensing applications

• DIY electronics and automation projects

Important Information

• The module requires a regulated 3.3V DC power supply.

• Ensure that connected microcontrollers use compatible UART and GPIO voltage levels.

• This is a radar-based human presence sensor, not a camera or imaging device.

• Detection range and accuracy depend on installation conditions and environmental factors.

• The sensor is designed for human presence and motion detection and is not a medical monitoring device.

• A USB-to-UART adapter may be required for configuration and debugging using the host software.

Package Contents

1 × Waveshare HMMD 24GHz mmWave Human Presence Detection Sensor Module

Manufacturer Resources

Technical documentation, connection information and development examples are available from the Waveshare Wiki:

https://www.waveshare.com/wiki/HMMD_mmWave_Sensor