Automotive


the work of two and detect the presence of trucks at two adjacent docks (Figure 5).


Forklift speed control and safety In addition to detecting vehicles, radar sensors can be mounted on a vehicle like a forklift to detect changes in its surroundings to enhance safety. For example, a Q90R2 radar sensor can be mounted on the back or sides of a forklift and configured with multiple zones at different distances. The broad 120° by 40° beam pattern of the Q90R2 makes it especially suitable for monitoring surrounding objects that may be in motion. In addition, the Q90R2 provides radial distance, angular position, and target velocity feedback. As hazards get closer, the forklift driver can be alerted, the forklift speed can be automatically restricted, or the forklift can be stopped.


Figure 5: The 120° x 40° beam pattern of the Q90R2 radar sensor means a single sensor can monitor two truck docks. (Image source: Banner Engineering) Continued from page 17


can use Banner’s software to customize advanced sensing parameters, such as each application’s window shape and target setpoints (Figure 4).


Vehicle detection at loading docks Automatically and accurately detecting trucks at loading docks is important to support productivity and safety and meet environmental standards. The traditional solutions of doorbells or indicator lights are often not suitable. Loading docks can be noisy places where doorbells can’t always be


heard. In addition, the presence of overhead and machine lighting and flashing lights on forklifts can make it easy to overlook an indicator light, even a blinking one. An automated sensor solution is desirable. However, trucks come in multiple sizes, are made with various materials, and can have a wide range of colours and surface finishes. Those challenges, plus the ambiguities of ambient environmental conditions like noise, dust, rain, or snow, make it challenging to implement a reliable solution based on photoelectric or ultrasonic sensors.


Radar sensors like the Q90R2 are often the preferred choice. They ignore ambient environmental conditions. They have an IP67/IP69K-rated housing, making them suitable for driving rains and other challenging environmental conditions, and a wide -40°C to +65°C operating temperature range. They can reliably detect the presence of trucks regardless of the material and its colour, texture, or reflectivity.


The independent and configurable sensing zones and the 120° by 40° beam pattern of the Q90R2 can enable one sensor to do


In cases where a forklift is used indoors and outdoors, a Q90R radar sensor with a beam pattern of 40° by 40° can be mounted on the roof to detect the presence or absence of a ceiling. When the forklift is outdoors, and no ceiling is detected, the machine can move at its maximum allowable speed. When the forklift moves indoors and a ceiling is present, the maximum speed can be automatically reduced to enhance safety and prevent damage (Figure 6).


Depending on the system needs, there are several Q90R models to choose from with different output configurations, including:  Q90R-4040-6KDQ with dual discrete NPN/ PNP, PFM, and an IO-Link output


 Q90R-4040-6KIQ with an analogue current (4 to 20 mA), 1 NPN/PNP discrete, and an IO-Link output


 Q90R-4040-6KUQ with an analogue voltage (0 to 10 V or 0.5 to 4.5 V), 1 NPN/ PNP discrete, and an IO-Link output


Conclusion


Q90R series radar sensors are highly versatile. Their 60 GHz operating frequency enables them to detect various materials. With a range of up to 20 m and configurable beam patterns, these FMCW radars can support a variety of applications. They are available with several output options to support different system needs and can be mounted on vehicles like forklifts or placed at strategic fixed locations such as adjacent to loading docks. Finally, designers can turn to Banner’s Measurement Sensor Software to speed system design and deployment.


Figure 6: Radar sensors can be used to monitor for people or objects around a forklift and for the presence or absence of a ceiling. (Image source: Banner Engineering) 18 February 2025 Components in Electronics www.digikey.co.uk www.cieonline.co.uk


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