Shop OBEX P1 Docs P2 Docs Learn Events
Radar On A Chip — Parallax Forums

Radar On A Chip

Kirk FraserKirk Fraser Posts: 364
edited 2012-08-02 10:25 in General Discussion
Popular Science ran a front page story many years ago called Radar On A Chip. Does anyone know of such a chip? I was wondering if it could provide better robot finger sensors than the usual strain guage solution. I've heard of the video camera pressed against something like silicone to get detailed touch patterns but if airport security radar is available in a chip, that might get every bit of data humans use to grasp objects.

Comments

  • lardomlardom Posts: 1,659
    edited 2012-08-01 19:23
    'Radar On A Chip' is an interesting idea. It was tough to find a recent link and I couldn't find a lot of information about it. Try this link
  • kwinnkwinn Posts: 8,697
    edited 2012-08-01 19:24
    Not sure if it is radar on a chip but the dual mode motion sensors used for security systems use both Microwave and Passive Infrared.
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,261
    edited 2012-08-01 19:29
    Of course, many PS cover stories are more fluff than factual, and whether they come to fruition is secondary. There's often little or no follow up to their sensational claims, unless it's "what happened 25/50 years ago", and by that time, the Flying Dutchman has sailed. :)

    Now where's that Moller/Moshier Sky Car?
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2012-08-01 19:52
    Radar-on-a-chip is a reality. Not only that, but you can get it from Parallax!

    -Phil
  • pjvpjv Posts: 1,903
    edited 2012-08-02 07:09
    Hi;

    I believe that some local folks here are using that technology in a radar level detection product for gasoline trucks and oil tanks.

    Cheers,

    Peter (pjv)
  • Kirk FraserKirk Fraser Posts: 364
    edited 2012-08-02 10:25
    Ok, it was Pop Sci March 1995 p. 107. The caption mentions a $10 radar that sees through walls. Micropower Impulse Radar was a spin off of Lawrence Livermore Labs. It may be used in some rather plain products like stud seekers and motion sensors but I suspect it is also used in airport security displays. I'm thinking if there is a $10 chip that airports use to visualize weapons under clothes, it should be useful for lots more. Maybe realizing comic book X-Ray Glasses so you can actually see household wiring and track down problems. That is the level of chip I'm hopeful to find, not simple on-off motion sensor. That level of chip might also allow strain visualization.
Sign In or Register to comment.