Introduction

The Rd-03L_V2 is an ultra-low power millimeter-wave human presence sensor module developed by Ai-Thinker. It features a simplified 24GHz radar sensor hardware and a low-power human presence detection algorithm firmware.

Equipped with the AloT millimeter-wave sensor SoC ICL1112, a high-performance 24GHz 1T1R antenna, and peripheral circuits, the module utilizes distance measurement technology combined with advanced proprietary radar signal processing and low-power control technology from the ICL1112 chip to accurately detect moving, micro-moving, and stationary human bodies.

This low-power detection algorithm is mainly designed for indoor applications to sense whether there are moving or micro-moving human bodies within the area, continuously updating the detection results in real time under low-power mode.

1. Rd-03L_V2 Appearance and Pin Description

1.1 Appearance Display

 

1.2 Pin Description

⚠️ Note: The debugging interface and programming interface cannot be used simultaneously.

Debugging Interface (TTL-USB Debugger)

J2-Pin#

Name

Function

Description

J2-Pin5

OUT

IO, reports detection status; high level = presence, low level = absence

0~3.3V

J2-Pin4

RX

UART_RX

0~3.3V

J2-Pin3

TX

UART_TX

0~3.3V

J2-Pin2

GND

Ground

-

J2-Pin1

3V3

Power Input

3.0~3.6V, Typ. 3.3V

Programming Interface (J-Link Debugger)

J1-Pin#

Name

Function

Description

J1-Pin4

3V3

Power Input

3.0~3.6V, Typ. 3.3V

J1-Pin3

CLK

SWD Clock Line

0~3.3V

J1-Pin2

DIO

SWD Data Line

0~3.3V

J1-Pin1

GND

Ground

-

2. Rd-03L_V2 Operating Steps

2.1 Download PC Software and Related Materials

Download link: Click to download

Or visit the Ai-Thinker docs page for more resources on Rd-03L_V2: Rd-03 Series

2.2 Module Wiring

Rd-03L_V2 Module

USB to TTL Converter

3V3

Vo (3V3)

GND

GND

TX

RXD

RX

TXD

 

2.3 Module Installation

The Rd-03L_V2 radar module is designed for wall-mounted installation at a height of 1.5–2m. The installation orientation is shown below:

 

When wall-mounted at 1.5m, the default detection range is a conical space with a 6m distance in the normal direction and ±60° angle in the horizontal and pitch directions.

2.4 Quick Setup via PC Software

Note: The Rd-03L_V2 PC software and serial port tool cannot be used simultaneously.

After completing wiring (Step 2) and proper installation (Step 3), open the PC software:

After successful connection, click Auto Threshold Generation.

The radar will scan the environment during this process — ensure no human presence within the detection area during the 120–240 second scan period.

After scanning, the thresholds are applied automatically. Close the window to finish.

After successful threshold generation, the threshold values for each distance gate will change according to the algorithm. Note: Manually adjust the trigger and hold thresholds of distance gates 00 and 01 to around 42 after auto-generation.

Additional settings allow for defining minimum and maximum detection distances (up to 6.3m), adjusting reporting frequencies:

Response time can be set to Normal or Fast to define the time the sensor reacts when a person enters the detection zone. No-person reporting delay: adjustable between 10–120 seconds, determines the delay before switching status from presence to absence.

After adjustment, click Write to Sensor to save the settings.

 

2.5 View Data via PC Software

Once parameters are set, real-time radar detection data can be viewed in the Target Information panel. Clicking "Start" shows energy values for each distance gate. When a gate is triggered, the status indicator turns red, target state shows "Presence", and distance is displayed.

Below, the software estimates average current consumption based on the reporting frequency. Higher reporting frequency results in higher current and power consumption, while lower frequency reduces both. 

3. Power Consumption Test

Rd-03L_V2 achieves ultra-low power consumption by adjusting the reporting frequency.