HB100 Doppler Radar Module Teardown

In a Teardown Tuesday analysis, the HB100 Doppler radar module was explored, revealing its inner workings and design intricacies. Priced at around $5, the module functions effectively with additional support components. Unlike traditional pulse-ranging radar, the HB100 emits a continuous low-level radio beam and processes return signals through heterodyne mixing to detect Doppler shifts caused by moving objects. The module's design includes patch antennas, RF filters, a local oscillator, and a mixer, all integrated into the PCB with minimal external components. The local oscillator features a Dielectric Resonance Oscillator using a ceramic disk for RF resonance. The mixer, a critical component, amplifies and modulates signals for detection. Accidentally applying 5V to the module's IF pin can damage it due to the flow through the mixer transistor. The module's design showcases a sophisticated and compact layout optimized for mass production. While limited in customization options, the HB100 module stands out for its efficient design and functionality in Doppler radar applications.