iDRM Connect

This is the sample companion app for Avnet's Intelligent Doppler Radar Module (“iDRM”). The iDRM is a small electronic circuit board, typically embedded inside commercial lighting and building controls products. It combines low-power Doppler radar, a set of environmental sensors, processing-at-the-edge, Bluetooth, and a universal lighting control output. iDRMs sense the presence of moving people and other objects in an area, along with their direction, speed, ambient sound, and ambient light.

The iDRM app allows professional installers and lighting designers to configure iDRMs easily and remotely using Bluetooth. No special tools (or ladders) are needed, and all settings are made with simple button presses and slider movements.

In some regions, commercial building lighting is controlled using a DALI network (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface). In others, a simple “0 – 10” style dimming interface is more common. The iDRM app supports both: It will configure the iDRM to operate as a programmable DALI bus master or to emulate a 0-10 / PWM style dimmer control.

One common application for the iDRM is to replace older PIR (Passive Infrared) occupancy switches. Radar can reach further distances than PIR, it can operate inconspicuously behind non-metallic surfaces and above ceilings, and it will penetrate rain and fog. The iDRM’s ability to selectively trigger on certain motion, direction, velocity and sound/light profiles offers additional advantages. For example, it can discriminate between pedestrians and vehicles, and/or control lighting in advance of an object moving along a path or corridor based on its current direction and speed.

Note that this app is designed to interface with Avnet iDRM modules. One or more iDRMs must be powered on and in Bluetooth range.