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Nisshinbo Microdevices Inc. "60GHz Millimeter-Wave 'Distance Measurement' Sensor Module" NJF40701/4071 Series

Stable detection even in outdoor environments | 60GHz millimeter-wave distance sensor "NJF4070/NJF4071" series

It is less susceptible to the effects of condensation, dust, and temperature changes, enabling contactless level measurement and equipment monitoring.


The NJF4070/NJF4071 is a distance sensor that utilizes 60GHz millimeter waves, manufactured by Nisshinbo Microdevices.
It is less susceptible to environmental changes and is suitable for applications requiring stable distance information, such as water level gauges, tank level monitoring, AGV/AMRs, service robots, and safety monitoring of industrial machinery.
Furthermore, since this product has already obtained "Technical Standards Conformity Certification" in Japan, customers are not required to obtain any additional radio wave certifications.

Ideal for distance measurement, level measurement, and safety detection.

60GHz millimeter-wave sensors for water level sensors and level gauges (local government) 60GHz millimeter-wave sensors for river water level monitoring (infrastructure) 60GHz millimeter-wave sensors for tank level monitoring (manufacturing) 60GHz millimeter-wave sensors for AGV/AMR safety detection (logistics) 60GHz millimeter-wave sensors for factory equipment location detection (FA) 60GHz millimeter-wave sensors for parking lot monitoring (smart cities)

Features

• Strong against environmental changes

It is less susceptible to the effects of outdoor environments such as rain, fog, condensation, dust, and temperature changes, making it suitable for measuring river and tank levels.
Temperature compensation is unnecessary, enabling stable measurements.


- Non-contact design improves maintainability
This reduces the risk of sensor wear and contamination in applications where it is difficult to touch the target object, such as water surfaces, liquid surfaces, or hazardous areas.

- Easy to use for control that utilizes distance information
By determining the distance to an object, it can be used for control functions such as level management, deceleration, stopping, proximity detection, and obstacle detection.

・Small size and low power consumption
It is also suitable for use in embedded devices and AGVs/AMRs.

Common challenges and main use cases

River water level monitoring and level measurement

In ultrasonic detection, misrecognition may occur due to condensation, water surface disturbances, narrow manholes, scaffolding, or internal structures.
Millimeter-wave level sensors can measure distance without contact, making them suitable for monitoring water levels and liquid levels in sewers, manholes, water tanks, and other similar applications.

• River monitoring
• Manhole monitoring
• Water storage tanks and receiving tanks
• Tank level monitoring
• Monitoring the condition of sewage facilities

Use Case ① Water Level Gauge: "Detecting water levels in rivers and sewers"

Common challenges

Managing water levels in rivers and tanks is done manually, which is inefficient.
Infrastructure management is understaffed and dangerous.

NJF4070/4071 resolved

- Enables non-contact water level measurement, significantly reducing labor costs.
• Real-time water level measurement is also possible.
• Dustproof and waterproof performance ensures safe outdoor installation.
Long-distance measurements of approximately 10m to 30m are also possible.

Common questions

Are there a lot of false positives?

Resolving the question

Equipped with an ambient noise reduction algorithm to prevent false detections.
Stable measurements are possible.


Are you looking for sensors for river monitoring applications?
✓ I don't know the appropriate measurement distance.
✓ I want to replace ultrasound.
✓ Looking for a sensor that can be used outdoors

If this applies to you, please feel free to contact us for a consultation.

Robot/AGV/AMR safety detection

Use Case ② Robot / AGV: "Obstacle Detection"

For robots operating in factories, logistics warehouses, and commercial facilities, avoiding contact with people, pallets, carts, and equipment is crucial.
By utilizing distance information from millimeter-wave sensors, applications in safety control such as deceleration, stopping, and proximity detection can be expected.
• AGV/AMR forward obstacle detection
• Approach detection for automated cleaning robots
• Service robot safety area monitoring
• Distance monitoring around industrial machinery

Common challenges

Autonomous vehicles (AGVs) in factories and warehouses
Collision avoidance and stopping position control are insufficient.
I have concerns about safety.

NJF4070/4071 resolved

-Achieves highly accurate distance measurement.
(Equipped with NISD's proprietary signal processing)
Ideal for collision avoidance and automatic stopping position control.

Common questions

Couldn't this be replaced by cameras or LiDAR?

Resolving the question

Microwaves ensure stable operation even in adverse weather conditions or dusty environments.
It offers greater installation flexibility than cameras and is easier to maintain.
The price is also cheaper than cameras and LiDAR.


Are you looking for sensors for "robot/AGV/AMR safety detection" applications?
 
✓ I don't know the appropriate measurement distance.
✓ I want to replace ultrasound.
✓ Looking for a sensor that can be used outdoors

If this applies to you, please feel free to contact us for a consultation.

Parking and facility monitoring

Use Case 3: Outdoor Parking Lot: "Vehicle Presence Detection"

By utilizing distance measurement to target objects, this technology can also be applied to managing vehicle occupancy in parking lots and monitoring the condition of the area around equipment.
We will emphasize stable detection in outdoor and semi-outdoor environments, leading to proposals for replacing existing ultrasonic and optical sensors.

Common challenges

Setting up a vehicle occupancy management system in an outdoor parking lot is complicated.
Installation costs, such as those for installing loop coils, are enormous.

NJF4070/4071 resolved

Reliable detection even in rain, fog, and dark places.
-Vehicle presence detection is easily possible without installing loop coils.
Cost reduction is possible.

Common questions

Wouldn't false positives increase outdoors?

Resolving the question Unaffected by light or temperature, using an ambient noise reduction algorithm
This prevents false positives.

Are you looking for sensors for "parking lot and facility monitoring" applications?
 
✓ I don't know the appropriate measurement distance.
✓ I want to replace ultrasound.
✓ Looking for a sensor that can be used outdoors

If this applies to you, please feel free to contact us for a consultation.

Comparison of sensor methods in outdoor environments

Why is "millimeter wave" the optimal technology?

This document summarizes a comparison of sensor types used for level measurement applications.

item

Millimeter wave sensor
(NJF4070/NJF4071)

Ultrasound

Optics/ToF

Dark environment

◎ Strong

◎ Strong

△ May be affected by ambient light.

Dust and dirt

◎ Strong

△ May be affected

△ Easily affected

Rain, fog, humidity

◎ Strong

△ May be affected

△ May be affected

condensation environment

◎ Strong

△ May be affected

△ Susceptible to the influence of the lens surface

Temperature change

◎ No temperature correction required

△ Temperature compensation is required.

○ Relatively little impact

Wind effects

◎ Few

△ Easy to take

◎ Few

Non-contact measurement

○ Possible

○ Possible

○ Possible

Outdoor/semi-outdoor

◎ Easy to apply

△ Conditions need to be checked.

△ Conditions need to be checked.

Main Applications

Water level gauges, river monitoring, tank monitoring,
Robot safety detection

Liquid level measurement, distance measurement

Distance measurement, object detection, optical detection

*This is a comparison of the characteristics of typical sensor types. Performance may vary depending on the usage environment and product specifications.

Product Specifications

*Face-mounted type with screws at all four corners: This is a highly versatile product that can be attached to circuit boards or screwed directly to the customer's product.

FAQ

[Q] What is a 60GHz millimeter-wave sensor?
[A] The NJF4070/NJF4071 is a distance sensor that uses 60GHz millimeter waves to measure the distance to an object non-contact.
It can be used for water level monitoring, level measurement, AGV safety detection, and more.

[Q] What is the difference between this and an ultrasonic sensor?
[A] Because the NJF4070/NJF4071 utilizes 60GHz millimeter waves, it is less susceptible to temperature changes and wind compared to ultrasonic sensors, enabling stable measurements even in outdoor environments.
Please also refer to the comparison table within this article.

【Q】What uses can it be used for?
[A] Can be used for water level monitoring, tank level monitoring, river monitoring, AGV/AMR safety detection, factory equipment location detection, parking lot monitoring, etc.

[Q] Can it be used outdoors?
[A] The NJF4070/NJF4071 is less susceptible to the effects of rain, dust, and condensation, making it suitable for water level monitoring and level measurement applications in outdoor and semi-outdoor environments.

Macnica provides support from evaluation to implementation.

At Macnica, we provide comprehensive support to customers considering distance measurement applications, from sensor selection and evaluation kits to PoC (Proof of Concept) and technical consultations.
We offer optimal product configurations tailored to your specific needs, including water level gauges, robot safety detection systems, AGVs/AMRs, and more. Please feel free to contact us. please.

Evaluation kit and GUI tool for evaluating NJF4071 (distance measurement)

We have evaluation kits available. If you would like to evaluate the actual device, please contact us.

■ Evaluation Kit Contents


- NJF4071 main unit

・One cable with connector

You can download it from the manufacturer's website (Nisshinbo Microdevices Corporation) below.

https://www.nisshinbo-microdevices.co.jp/ja/products/sensor-modules/spec/?product=njf4071

• Instruction manual (PDF)
LINK

• Included instruction manual (PDF)
LINK

・Sample software

■ GUI Tools


• You can download it from the manufacturer's website (Nisshinbo Microdevices Co., Ltd.) below.
https://www.nisshinbo-microdevices.co.jp/ja/products/sensor-modules/spec/?product=njf4071


• GUI software (Zip file)
LINK

Technical data (download)

Clicking will allow you to download from the manufacturer's website (Nisshinbo Microdevices Corporation). (NJF4070 | NJF4071)

Inquiry / Consultation

For questions about this product, evaluation kits, technical consultations, quotations, etc., please contact us using the information below.

Manufacturer information top

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