SPIDER Automation | NRA24 24GHz FMCW Radar Altimeter | 50m Range, ±2cm Accuracy & UART Interface
Description
The NRA24 24GHz FMCW Radar Altimeter is a compact radar distance measurement module designed for low-altitude sensing and terrain-relative measurement applications. It operates across the 24.00–24.20GHz frequency band and uses Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave (FMCW) radar technology to estimate the distance to detected targets. The specified measurement range is 0.1–50m, with a listed ranging accuracy of ±0.02m.
The module provides a 50Hz update rate and a specified transmitter output of 25dBm EIRP. UART and Micro USB interfaces support integration with compatible embedded electronics and control systems. Its compact design is intended for airborne platforms and other systems requiring frequent radar-based distance measurements.
Typical integration areas include UAV altitude measurement, helicopter systems, small airships and terrain-relative sensing equipment. The module can also be evaluated in compatible engineering and automation systems where its frequency band, measurement range, interface and installation requirements are suitable.
24GHz FMCW Radar Measurement Technology
The NRA24 uses FMCW radar technology, in which a continuously transmitted frequency-modulated signal is used for distance estimation. Its 24.00–24.20GHz transmit band supports radar-based target measurement within the specified 0.1–50m range.
- 24GHz Operating Band: Transmits within the specified 24.00–24.20GHz frequency range.
- FMCW Modulation: Uses Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave radar for distance measurement.
- Target Distance Measurement: Designed to estimate the distance to detected targets.
- Moving-Target Detection: Supports radar detection involving moving targets.
- 50m Maximum Listed Range: Provides a specified measurement range extending up to 50m.
- Near-Range Measurement: The listed minimum measurement distance is 0.1m.
Measurement Accuracy & Update Performance
The NRA24 has a specified ranging accuracy of ±0.02m, equivalent to ±2cm, and a measurement update rate of 50Hz. These characteristics make the module suitable for systems requiring frequent distance updates and relatively precise low-altitude measurement. Actual measurement performance can vary with target reflectivity, surface orientation, environmental conditions, installation and system configuration.
- Measurement Range: 0.1–50m.
- Ranging Accuracy: ±0.02m (±2cm).
- Update Rate: 50Hz.
- Measurement Function: Radar-based distance measurement.
- Application Focus: Low-altitude and terrain-relative distance sensing.
Communication Interfaces & System Integration
The module provides UART and Micro USB interfaces for integration with compatible electronic systems. UART supports serial communication with embedded controllers, while the Micro USB interface provides an additional connection option for compatible system configurations. The host controller, electrical interface requirements and communication protocol must be verified before integration.
- UART Interface: Serial communication interface for compatible embedded control systems.
- Micro USB Interface: Additional connection interface for compatible equipment.
- Embedded Integration: Designed for integration into electronic control and measurement assemblies.
- System Compatibility: Requires compatible host hardware, electrical connections and communication handling.
- Data Integration: Suitable for applications that incorporate radar distance measurements into a larger control or monitoring system.
Compact Design & Airborne Integration
The NRA24 is designed as a compact radar altimeter module for integration into airborne equipment and other space-constrained electronic systems. Its measurement capability can support applications where distance from a detected surface or target is an important input to the overall system.
- Compact Module Format: Intended for integration into space-constrained equipment.
- UAV Integration: Suitable for compatible unmanned aerial vehicle altitude-sensing systems.
- Helicopter Systems: Designed for compatible helicopter radar altimeter applications.
- Small Airships: Supports evaluation in compatible small-airship altitude measurement systems.
- Terrain Adaptability: Intended for use across environments including grassland, subject to target and installation conditions.
Applications
The NRA24 radar altimeter is intended for systems requiring radar-based distance measurement within its specified range and operating frequency. Its 50Hz update rate and UART communication interface support integration into compatible airborne and embedded measurement architectures.
- UAV Radar Altimeters: Low-altitude distance measurement for compatible unmanned aerial vehicle platforms.
- Multirotor Altitude Sensing: Radar-based surface-distance input for compatible multirotor control architectures.
- Fixed-Wing UAV Systems: Integration into compatible unmanned aircraft requiring radar-based altitude measurement.
- Helicopter Altitude Measurement: Radar altimeter integration for compatible helicopter systems.
- Small Airship Systems: Distance measurement for compatible small-airship platforms.
- Terrain-Relative Measurement: Measurement of distance between an airborne platform and a detected surface.
- Grassland Surface Measurement: Radar measurement in compatible grassland operating environments.
- Low-Altitude Navigation: Distance information for compatible low-altitude navigation systems.
- UAV Landing Assistance: Radar distance input for compatible landing-control architectures, subject to system-level validation.
- Flight-Control Integration: UART-based radar measurement input for compatible flight-control systems.
- Embedded Radar Systems: Integration into compact electronic equipment requiring distance measurement.
- Industrial Distance Measurement: Evaluation in compatible measurement systems operating within the specified range and frequency constraints.
- Robotics Distance Sensing: Radar measurement integration in compatible robotic platforms.
- Engineering Development: Evaluation of FMCW radar distance measurement in prototype systems.
- Radar Performance Testing: Controlled assessment of measurement range, update rate and target response.
Package Includes
- 1 × NRA24 24GHz Radar Altimeter Module
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | NRA24 |
| Product Type | Radar Altimeter Module |
| Radar Technology | FMCW (Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave) |
| Transmit Frequency Band | 24.00–24.20GHz |
| Nominal Frequency Band | 24GHz |
| Transmit Output Power | 25dBm EIRP |
| Modulation Type | FMCW |
| Minimum Measurement Distance | 0.1m |
| Maximum Measurement Distance | 50m |
| Measurement Range | 0.1–50m |
| Ranging Accuracy | ±0.02m (±2cm) |
| Measurement Update Rate | 50Hz |
| Communication Interface | UART / Micro USB |
| Primary Function | Radar-based distance measurement and altitude sensing |
| Target Detection | Moving-target detection capability listed |
| Intended Platforms | UAVs, helicopters and small airships |
| Package Quantity | 1 radar altimeter module |
Connection & Operating Recommendations
- Verify Supply Voltage: Confirm the module’s exact operating voltage from its hardware documentation before applying power. The supplied voltage entry is malformed and should not be used as a wiring reference.
- Check Power Consumption: Confirm the correct power-consumption specification and required supply capacity before designing the power circuit.
- Confirm UART Electrical Levels: Verify UART logic voltage, pinout, baud rate and communication protocol before connecting the module to a controller.
- Check USB Functionality: Confirm the supported Micro USB functions and connection requirements for the specific hardware revision.
- Provide Secure Mounting: Install the module securely and maintain its intended orientation relative to the measurement surface.
- Maintain a Suitable Measurement Path: Avoid obstructions between the radar module and the intended measurement target.
- Evaluate Surface Response: Validate readings against the actual target material, surface angle and environmental conditions.
- Validate Measurement Range: Test the required operating distances within the specified 0.1–50m range.
- Check Update Handling: Ensure the host controller can process the 50Hz measurement output at the required rate.
- Validate Flight-System Integration: For airborne applications, test the radar readings and control-system response independently before relying on them for flight or landing functions.
