Last year, we reviewed the MR60FDA1 60GHz mmWave fall detection sensor kit, which utilizes the XIAO ESP32C3 module as its core. This module, featuring both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, opens up various IoT applications. Now, Seeed Studio has introduced advanced mmWave sensor modules specifically designed for enhanced fall detection and heartbeat monitoring. The MR60FDA2 is optimized for fall detection, while the MR60BHA2 is designed for heartbeat monitoring.
Powered by an ESP32-C6 WiFi 6 and RIS-Bluetotoh LE microcontroller, these modules offer reliable detection for real-time fall monitoring and accurate heartbeat tracking. They also feature customizable RGB LEDs and ambient light sensors, providing additional flexibility. With expansion options via Grove GPIO ports, these versatile modules are well-suited for applications like smart home integration and healthcare monitoring.
Previously, we covered the RoomSense IQ and the DesignCore RS-6843AOPU with mmWave technology. The RoomSense IQ is an ESP32-S3-based modular room monitor with mmWave radar presence detection, while the DesignCore RS-6843AOPU features the mmWave RS-6843AOPUA radar sensor. Feel free to check those out if you’re interested in similar products.
The mmWave human fall detection and breathing and heartbeat detection sensor kit specifications:
- Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32C6 module
- SoC – ESP32-C6
- CPU
- Single-core 32-bit RISC-V clocked up to 160 MHz
- Low-power RISC-V core @ up to 20 MHz
- Memory – 512KB SRAM, 16KB low power SRAM
- Storage – 320KB ROM, and 4MB flash
- Wireless – 2.4 GHz WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 LE
- CPU
- Antenna – External u.FL antenna or ceramic antenna
- SoC – ESP32-C6
- USB – 2x USB Type-C ports: one on the XIAO board, the other on the main board
- Sensors – MR60FDA2 or MR60BHA2
- MR60FDA2 60GHz mmWave fall detection sensor
- Covers a 3 x 3 x 3 meter volume
- Horizontal Field of View (FoV) of 120°
- Vertical FoV of 100°
- Human static presence detection up to 6 meters
- MR60BHA2 60GHz mmWave breathing and heartbeat Detection sensor
- Detects heartbeats from up to 1.5 meters
- Human static presence detection up to 6 meters
- BH1750 Light Sensor that measures ambient light from 1 to 65,535 lux with adjustable measurements up to 100,000 lux
- MR60FDA2 60GHz mmWave fall detection sensor
- Expansion
- 2x 7-pin 2.54mm double line female headers for plug-in the XIAO module with 1x UART, 1x I2C, 1x SPI, 11x GPIO (PWM), 3x ADC, SDIO, 5V, 3.3V, and GND
- 16 SMD pads for GPIO, SPI, BOOT, 3.3V and GND
- Grove GPIO ports (D0, D10) for adding additional sensors and modules
- Misc
- WS2812 RGB LED for visual feedback and DIY projects
- Reset button
- Power supply – 5V/1A DC-in via USB Type-C port
- Power Consumption
- 0.5W in Standby mode
- 0.8W in Active mode
- 1.4W with Grove Relay
- Dimension – 3mm x 5mm
The 60GHz mmWave Fall Detection Sensor Kit with XIAO ESP32C6 should be installed at a height of 2.2 to 3.0 meters, providing a maximum sensing radius of 2 meters. Users should ensure that the side with the mmWave sensor is aligned with the detection direction for accurate sensing.
The 60GHz mmWave Breathing and Heartbeat Detection Sensor Kit with XIAO ESP32C6 allows two installation methods. For side-mounted installation, position the radar at chest height, ensuring the distance between the sensor and the chest is within 1.5 meters. For sleep monitoring, an inclined installation is recommended, where the radar is mounted 1 meter above the head of the bed, angled downward at 45° toward the center. Maintaining a distance of 1.5 meters between the sensor and the chest, with proper alignment to the detection area, ensures accurate monitoring of breathing and heartbeat data.
Both modules are powered by a XIAO ESP32C6 module pre-flashed with ESPHome firmware for Home Assistant integration. Seeed Studio mentions that the board can be programmed using the ESP-IDF framework or the Arduino IDE. The company provides detailed setup instructions for Arduino, along with sample code, on the Fall Detection and Breathing and Heartbeat Detection wiki pages. Additionally, they offer example code for the Arduino mmWave Library for XIAO and loading instructions on GitHub.
The Seeed Studio 60GHz mmWave human fall detection and breathing and heartbeat detection sensor kits are now available for pre-order on their official store for $24.90 each.
Sayantan Nandy, an electronics engineer with over four years of hands-on experience in PCB design, circuit development and power electronics, is proficient in EAGLE CAD, Ki-Cad, and Altium. He has a proven track record of delivering efficient and effective systems. His expertise extends from R&D, and prototyping to production support, making him a valuable asset to any engineering team.
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What would be the benefit of using FMCW mmWave compared to PCR 60GHz Acconeer radar? I suppose running on edge with PCR is benefical for these applications? also because of energy consumption?