ChipScout

Sensors

RCWL-0516

Microwave radar motion sensor module used as a compact PIR alternative.

China-madeGenericActiveModerate

Best For

Projects needing Motion and Radar with a commonly available sensors part.

Avoid If

You need production-grade certainty without checking the exact module vendor, pinout, and library maintenance status.

Quick Decision Notes

RCWL-0516 is indexed as a sensors part from Generic. ChipScout tracks it by practical maker-facing dimensions: interfaces, library readiness, estimated price, field-level sources, and whether the page is strong enough for selection rather than only lookup.

Technical Specifications

MeasurementMotionSource: Generic
InterfaceDigital outputSource: Generic
TechnologyMicrowave radarSource: Generic
Working Voltage4V - 28V moduleSource: Generic

Common Use Cases

  • Maker prototypes
  • Low-cost modules
  • Educational hardware

Known Issues

  • Breakout boards may use different pin labels or regulator choices
  • Clone modules can differ from the original datasheet part

Interfaces and Library Support

Interfaces
GPIO
Wireless
None
Voltage
3.3V
Libraries
Arduino verifiedMicroPython pending
Data Integrity66% confidence
Sourcehttps://components101.com/
Last verified2026-05-20
Core specsVerified
PinoutMissing
Library supportChecked
Price rangePresent
Found a wrong spec?

Every field is meant to be source-backed. Corrections should include a datasheet URL, vendor page, module photo, or reproducible library test.

Submit correction

Source Resources

Datasheethttps://components101.com/GenericLibraryRCWL-0516 Arduino library lookupArduino

Pinout Table

VCC3.3VPower the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.
GNDCommon groundConnect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.
SignalMCU GPIO / ADCUse a digital input, output, PWM, or ADC pin based on the module output type.

Pinout is not yet source-verified. Use the table as an integration checklist, then confirm exact pins against the module vendor page before wiring hardware.

Common Wiring

VCC

Power the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.

GND

Connect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.

Signal

Use a digital input, output, PWM, or ADC pin based on the module output type.

Arduino Example

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Serial.println("RCWL-0516 GPIO wiring smoke test");
}

void loop() {
  // Replace with the maintained RCWL-0516 library or module protocol.
  Serial.println("Read or toggle the connected signal pin.");
  delay(1000);
}
RCWL-0516 Arduino library lookup

MicroPython Example

MicroPython support is pending. Treat community scripts as prototypes until a maintained driver is linked and tested on a known development board.

Recommended Development Boards

ESP32-C3 development board

Low-cost Wi-Fi/BLE board with enough interfaces for most sensors and modules.

Arduino Uno R4 / compatible

Good baseline for beginner wiring and library validation.

Raspberry Pi Pico W

Practical MicroPython target for I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, and ADC experiments.

Alternative Model Reasons

ACS712SensorsThis alternative currently has stronger source coverage and confidence in ChipScout.
ADXL345SensorsChoose this when MicroPython support is required for fast prototyping.
AHT10SensorsChoose this when MicroPython support is required for fast prototyping.
AHT20SensorsChoose this when MicroPython support is required for fast prototyping.

Common Questions

What is RCWL-0516 best used for?

Projects needing Motion and Radar with a commonly available sensors part.

Does RCWL-0516 support Arduino or MicroPython?

RCWL-0516 has verified Arduino support and MicroPython support pending verification.

What interfaces does RCWL-0516 use?

RCWL-0516 lists GPIO; wireless support is no wireless protocol.

Compare RCWL-0516 vs ACS712

Alternatives and Related Parts

ACS712

Allegro MicroSystems

Hall-effect current sensor module used for AC/DC current measurement projects.

China-madeSensors76% confidence

ADXL345

Analog Devices

3-axis digital accelerometer with broad maker library support.

China-madeSensors84% confidence

AHT10

Aosong

I2C temperature and humidity sensor commonly sold as a compact low-cost breakout.

China-madeSensors76% confidence

AHT20

Aosong

Popular Chinese I2C temperature and humidity sensor used as a low-cost SHT-series alternative.

China-madeSensors82% confidence