Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) is bringing its AK5816AIM Antenna-in-Module (AiM) to mass production, providing a compact millimeter-wave radar solution for contactless sensing without cameras or wearable devices. The module combines AKM’s AK5816 60 GHz radar transceiver with an integrated 4×4 antenna array, helping simplify the development of privacy-conscious monitoring equipment.

Measuring just 23 mm × 23 mm, the module integrates the radar IC and antenna into a single package. This reduces the need for developers to design a high-frequency antenna from the ground up, potentially shortening the hardware development process for products using mmWave sensing.

High-Resolution Sensing Without Cameras

The AK5816AIM uses multi-channel radar sensing and high angular resolution to detect changes in a person's or pet's position, movement, breathing and posture. Unlike camera-based systems, the radar approach does not capture visual images, making it suitable for environments where privacy is an important consideration.

AKM identifies applications in areas such as homes, healthcare and IoT monitoring. The company also notes that the technology can be used in spaces such as bathrooms and bedrooms, where camera-based monitoring may be undesirable.

Key Features

★ 60 GHz radar sensing — Supports non-contact detection of people and pets.

✦ Integrated antenna architecture — Combines the AK5816 radar transceiver with a 4×4 antenna array.

◆ 23 × 23 mm module — Compact format suited to embedded sensing equipment.

✓ 4TX / 4RX channels — Provides multi-channel radar sensing capability.

◈ 57–64 GHz operating range — Designed for 60 GHz-class mmWave applications.

✧ CSI-2 / SPI interfaces — Provides digital connectivity for host systems.

➤ -40°C to 105°C operation — Supports demanding embedded and industrial environments.

Applications Across Smart Living and IoT

The AK5816AIM is designed for smart-home equipment, healthcare monitoring, security systems, IoT devices and AgeTech solutions. Potential functions include fall detection, vital-sign monitoring, occupancy detection, posture recognition and position tracking.

Its camera-free operation can be particularly useful for privacy-sensitive indoor environments. AKM has also developed a monitoring service using the module for bathrooms and living spaces in senior housing, demonstrating how the technology can be incorporated into real-world monitoring systems.

Making Camera-Free Sensing Easier to Integrate

By combining the radar transceiver and antenna into a compact AiM package, AKM is reducing one of the major hardware-design challenges associated with mmWave sensing. The AK5816AIM provides developers with a ready-to-integrate platform for building contactless monitoring products while maintaining a camera-free approach. Its combination of multi-channel sensing, compact dimensions and broad operating-temperature capability positions the module for a range of consumer and industrial IoT designs.

AKM AK5816AIM Brings Camera-Free Radar to Smart Spaces

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