Ai-Thinker RD-01 24GHz mmWave Radar Sensor
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Overview
Code Examples
About Ai-Thinker RD-01 24GHz mmWave Radar Sensor
The Ai-Thinker RD-01 is a 24GHz mmWave radar sensor designed for human presence detection. It utilizes FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) technology to detect both moving and stationary human targets within a range of up to 5 meters. The sensor integrates Wi-Fi and BLE capabilities, allowing for wireless configuration and data transmission. It supports UART communication for integration with microcontrollers. For more information, refer to the official datasheet: RD-01 Datasheet.
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RD-01 Specifications
Complete technical specification details for Ai-Thinker RD-01 24GHz mmWave Radar Sensor
📊 Technical Parameters
RD-01 Pinout
The RD-01 has 5 pins: 3.3V power, GND, UART TX/RX, and a required CHIP_EN enable pin.
Visual Pinout Diagram
Pin Types
Quick Tips
FMCW mmWave radar technology,[object Object],[object Object]
3.3V ONLY - do not use 5V power or logic,CHIP_EN must be HIGH - cannot be left floating
Wi-Fi and BLE capabilities,Detects both moving and stationary targets
Pin Descriptions
| Pin Name | Type | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
1 3V3 | Power | Power input (3.3V ONLY). Do not exceed 3.6V. | ⚠️ 3.3V only - exceeding voltage will damage the module. |
2 GND | Power | Ground reference. Must be shared with ESP32. | Common ground essential for signal integrity. |
3 TX | UART | UART transmit pin. Outputs presence and motion data. | Connect to ESP32 RX pin (e.g., GPIO 16). 3.3V logic. |
4 RX | UART | UART receive pin. Accepts configuration commands. | Connect to ESP32 TX pin (e.g., GPIO 17). |
5 CHIP_EN | Control | Chip enable (active high). MUST be pulled HIGH for operation. | ⚠️ REQUIRED: Tie to 3.3V or control with GPIO. Cannot be left floating. |
Wiring RD-01 to ESP32
To interface the RD-01 with an ESP32, connect 3V3 to 3.3V power, GND to ground, TX to GPIO 16 (RX2), RX to GPIO 17 (TX2), and CHIP_EN to 3.3V or a GPIO pin.
Visual Wiring Diagram
Connection Status
Protocol
Pin Connections
| RD-01 Pin | Connection | ESP32 Pin | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
1 3V3 (red) Required | 3.3V | Power supply (3.3V ONLY). Do not use 5V. | |
2 GND (black) Required | GND | Ground connection. Must be common with ESP32. | |
3 TX (green) Required | GPIO 16 (RX2) | Radar transmits data to ESP32. | |
4 RX (blue) Required | GPIO 17 (TX2) | ESP32 sends configuration commands to radar. | |
5 CHIP_EN (yellow) Required | 3.3V or GPIO | Enable pin. MUST be HIGH. Tie to 3.3V or use GPIO for control. |
Object]
Object]
Object]
UART2 on ESP32 (GPIO 16/17) to avoid USB serial conflicts
logic levels are 3.3V - directly compatible with ESP32
sensor securely - vibrations affect detection
line of sight required in detection zone
to LD series radar - reference LD2410 examples
Object]
RD-01 Troubleshooting
Common issues and solutions to help you get your sensor working
Common Issues
Issue: The ESP32 receives no data from the sensor.
Ensure correct wiring: verify that TX and RX lines are properly connected, and confirm that the UART baud rate is set to 115200 bps. Also, ensure that the sensor is powered with a stable 3.3V supply and that the CHIP_EN pin is set to high.
Issue: The sensor does not detect presence even when someone is in range.
Check the sensor's field of view and ensure there are no obstructions. Verify that the sensor's configuration parameters are set correctly for the desired detection range and sensitivity.
Issue: Sensor intermittently detects presence or fails to maintain detection.
Ensure that the sensor is securely mounted and not subject to vibrations. Check for sources of interference in the environment that may affect radar performance.
Issue: UART component in ESPHome reports failure to initialize.
Verify that the UART pins specified in the configuration match the physical connections. Ensure that no other devices are using the same UART bus, and that the baud rate is correctly set to 115200 bps.
Debugging Tips
Use the Serial Monitor to check for error messages and verify the sensor's output. Add debug prints in your code to track the sensor's state.
Use a multimeter to verify voltage levels and check for continuity in your connections. Ensure the power supply is stable and within the sensor's requirements.
Additional Resources
RD-01 Programming Examples
Ready-to-use code examples for different platforms and frameworks
external_components:
- source:
type: git
url: https://github.com/tsunglung/esphome-rd01
refresh: 0s
uart:
id: uart_bus
tx_pin: GPIO17
rx_pin: GPIO16
baud_rate: 115200
rd01:
id: rd01_sensor
binary_sensor:
- platform: rd01
presence:
name: "RD-01 Presence"
sensor:
- platform: rd01
distance:
name: "RD-01 Distance"
motion:
name: "RD-01 Motion"This ESPHome configuration sets up the RD-01 sensor using a custom component. The UART interface is configured with a baud rate of 115200. The binary_sensor detects presence, while the sensor entries provide distance and motion data. Ensure that the UART pins are correctly connected and that the sensor is powered with a stable 3.3V supply.
Wrapping Up RD-01
The ESP32 Ai-Thinker RD-01 24GHz mmWave Radar Sensor is a powerful Human Presence sensor that offers excellent performance and reliability. With support for multiple development platforms including Arduino, ESP-IDF, ESPHome, PlatformIO, and MicroPython, it's a versatile choice for your IoT projects.
Best Practices
For optimal performance, ensure proper wiring and follow the recommended configuration for your chosen development platform.
Safety First
Always verify power supply requirements and pin connections before powering up your project to avoid potential damage.
Ready to Start Building?
Now that you have all the information you need, it's time to integrate the RD-01 into your ESP32 project and bring your ideas to life!
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