The Ai-Thinker Rd-61 is an ultra-compact 60GHz FMCW millimeter-wave radar module for human motion, presence, tracking, and micro-motion sensing. It integrates a 1T3R AiP radar chip and Flash in a small SMD8 module, making it suitable for space-constrained embedded radar designs that need high-sensitivity non-contact detection.

The official Rd-61 specification lists a 58GHz to 64GHz radar spectrum range, 6GHz continuous sweep bandwidth, 120 horizontal and vertical field of view, up to 8m maximum sensing distance, and 0.01m nearest sensing distance based on a human-target reference. Configuration and data acquisition are handled through UART, with UART / IIC listed in the main parameter table.

For related OpenELAB radar modules, compare the Ai-Thinker Rd-03H 24GHz Presence Radar, Ai-Thinker Rd-03 24G Radar V2, Ai-Thinker Rd-03D 24G Radar, Ai-Thinker Rd-03E 24G Radar, and Ai-Thinker Radar Debugging Board.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Value
Brand	Ai-Thinker
Model	Rd-61
OpenELAB SKU	AT-Rd-61
Product Type	60GHz millimeter-wave radar module for human motion detection
Radar Technology	FMCW millimeter-wave radar
Radar Frequency Range	58GHz to 64GHz
Continuous Sweep Bandwidth	6GHz
Radar Antenna	Integrated AiP antenna, 1T3R array; supports 1T1R, 1T2R, and 1T3R configuration modes
EIRP	17.5dBm
Detection Angle	Horizontal FOV 120 and vertical FOV 120
Maximum Sensing Distance	Up to 8m, depending on target size and RCS
Nearest Sensing Distance	0.01m, referenced to a human target
Supported Detection	Human movement, human presence, tracking, counting, breathing, heartbeat, gesture, and object micro-motion sensing capabilities listed by Ai-Thinker
Digital Interface	UART / IIC listed in the main parameter table; product overview describes UART for configuration and data acquisition
UART Rate	Up to 3Mbps; default 115200 bps
Command / Data Ports	Serial port 0 on PB0 / PB1 for radar commands; serial port 1 on PA0 for radar data output
Package	SMD8 compatible DIP-8, 1.27mm spacing
Module Size With Pin Header	18.5 6.5 5.8mm, 0.2mm
Module Size Without Pin Header	18.5 6.5 1.6mm, 0.2mm
Pin Definition Summary	NRST, PA0, PB0, PB1, GND, VCC, VDDIO, V13, additional GND pins, PA12, and PA13 according to the official pin table
Supply Voltage	VCC 1.7V to 5.5V, 3.3V typical; VDDIO 1.7V to 3.6V; V13 1.2V to 2.5V, 1.3V typical
Recommended Supply	3.3V with peak current above 500mA
Low-Power Modes	Power off, standby, idle, and working modes
Operating Temperature	-40C to 85C
Storage Environment	-40C to 125C, less than 90%RH
Moisture Sensitivity	MSL level 3; use within 168 hours after opening the vacuum bag at 25 5C / 60%RH or bake before secondary reflow

Integration Notes & Hardware Guidance

Power Design Use a stable 3.3V supply with peak current above 500mA and control ripple for reliable radar operation.
IO Voltage Keep VDDIO within 1.7V to 3.6V and add level shifting if the host controller uses incompatible IO levels.
UART Planning Use PB0 / PB1 for radar commands and PA0 for radar data output according to the official design guide.
Antenna Direction Point the radar antenna toward the target area and keep the front side open without shielding.
Mechanical Stability Mount the module firmly because shaking or vibration of the radar itself can affect detection results.
Backside Interference Use metal shielding or a suitable backplane when moving objects behind the radar create unwanted detection.
Multi-Radar Spacing Avoid direct beam alignment between multiple 60GHz radar modules and increase separation where possible.
Environment Review Moving curtains, animals, fans, air outlets, large plants, and strong reflectors can interfere with radar testing.
ESD Handling Add ESD protection on exposed power and IO lines, and handle the module as an electrostatic-sensitive device.

Packing List

1 Ai-Thinker Rd-61 60GHz Radar Module for Human Motion Detection

FAQ

Q: What is the key advantage of Rd-61?
A: Rd-61 provides 60GHz FMCW radar sensing in a very small 18.5 6.5mm module footprint, making it useful when board space is limited.

Q: How is Rd-61 different from Rd-60?
A: Rd-61 is the smaller SMD8 / DIP-8 compatible module, while Rd-60 is larger and includes additional wireless subsystem features in its specification.

Q: What sensing range does Rd-61 support?
A: The official specification lists up to 8m maximum sensing distance and 0.01m nearest sensing distance, depending on target size, state, and RCS.

Q: What is the field of view?
A: The listed radar coverage is 120 horizontal FOV and 120 vertical FOV.

Q: What voltage should I use?
A: Design around 3.3V typical supply with peak current above 500mA, while keeping VDDIO within the listed 1.7V to 3.6V range.

Q: What interface does the module use?
A: The product overview describes UART for configuration and data acquisition, and the main parameter table lists UART / IIC support.

Q: What causes false detection?
A: Moving objects, vibration, moving curtains, animals, fans, air-conditioning airflow, large reflectors, or activity behind the radar can affect results and should be handled during installation.

SKU:US31210975 Category: electronic components