BDD RD-03D 24GHz Multi-Target mmWave Radar Sensor

BDD RD-03D 24GHz Multi-Target mmWave Radar Sensor – Technical Specifications:

Sensor Type – 24GHz FMCW mmWave Radar
Chipset – S5KM312CL Single-Chip Radar SoC
Operating Frequency – 24.0–24.25GHz (ISM Band)
Detection Range – Up to 8m
Distance Resolution – 0.75m
Detection Angle – ±60° Azimuth / ±30° Elevation
Multi-Target Tracking – Up to 3 Simultaneous Targets
Output Data – Real-Time X/Y Position, Speed, Distance per Target
Interface – UART (256000 baud)
Module Size – 15 × 44mm with Onboard PCB Antenna
Operating Temperature – -40°C to +85°C

1: Unlike a standard PIR sensor, the RD-03D detects motion using the Doppler effect rather than infrared — it can sense movement through most non-metallic materials and is unaffected by ambient temperature or lighting conditions.

2: This module can track up to 3 moving targets simultaneously, reporting real-time X/Y position, speed, and distance for each — making it well suited to occupancy counting and multi-person tracking, not just simple presence detection.

3: Communication is via UART at 256000 baud — a hardware UART on your microcontroller is strongly recommended, as software serial cannot reliably handle this baud rate.

4: As an FMCW Doppler radar, the RD-03D depends on movement to detect targets — it will not register a target that becomes perfectly still relative to the sensor, unlike presence-only sensors such as the LD2410C.

5: Mount the sensor with a clear, unobstructed view of the area to be monitored — metal objects and surfaces in the detection path will block or distort the radar signal, unlike with most non-metallic obstructions which the radar can see through.

6: ESPHome has a dedicated rd03d component for this sensor, making integration into Home Assistant for occupancy-based automations straightforward without writing custom firmware.