Millimeter-wave radar sensors often include multiple communication interfaces to meet the varying needs of industrial integration. Among the most common areTTL,RS422,CAN, andUART—all supported by Linpowave’s radar product line.
Although these are all digital signal types, theirtransmission method, interference resistance, range, and application suitabilitydiffer greatly.
TTL vs. RS422: Electrical Signal Differences
TTL: Simple Interface for Embedded Systems
TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic) uses 3.3V or 5V single-ended signals and is suitable only for short-range communication—typically under 1 meter.
It’s ideal for direct connections to embedded controllers such as MCUs or FPGAs. While easy to implement, TTL lacks noise immunity, making it unsuitable for long-distance or industrial installations.
RS422: A Reliable Option for Industrial Environments
RS422 uses differential signaling and supports transmission distances of up to 1200 meters. Its robustness against electrical noise makes it well-suited for complex environments.
Linpowave radar sensors deployed in factory monitoring or outdoor systems often use RS422 to connect reliably with PLCs or industrial controllers, especially in high-interference or extended-range applications.
UART vs. CAN: Protocol-Level Communication Differences
UART: Lightweight, Point-to-Point Communication
UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter) is an asynchronous serial protocol typically used with TTL or RS422 signaling.
It supports simple, one-to-one communication and is easy to configure. However, UART lacks built-in error handling or support for multi-node networks, making it best for basic radar-to-controller links.
CAN: Robust Multi-Node Communication Protocol
CAN (Controller Area Network) is a bus-based protocol that supports multiple devices, error checking, and message prioritization.
In autonomous vehicles, robotics, and smart traffic systems, Linpowave radar sensors often rely on CAN to deliver synchronized positional and velocity data across multiple nodes with high reliability.
Quick Comparison Table
| Interface | Signal Type | Max Distance | Multi-Node Support | Noise Immunity | Ideal Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TTL | Single-ended | ≤ 1 m | No | Low | Embedded prototyping |
| RS422 | Differential | ≤ 1200 m | No | High | Industrial wiring |
| UART | Protocol | Depends on signal | No | Medium | Simple serial data |
| CAN | Bus protocol | ≤ 1000 m | Yes | Very High | Multi-radar systems |
Interface Options in Linpowave Products
Linpowave offers flexible radar modules with multiple digital output combinations, including:
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TTL + UART: Ideal for embedded platforms and lightweight UAVs
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RS422 + UART: Used in smart factories, energy sites, and outdoor deployment
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CAN Bus: Best for AGVs, robotics, and synchronized multi-radar installations
Depending on the radar model, interface configurations can be customized via software or at the factory level to fit specific integration needs.
Final Thoughts
The output interface you select determines how stable and scalable your radar system will be. TTL offers quick prototyping, RS422 enables long-range data integrity, UART supports simple control, and CAN excels in robust, multi-device communication.
Understanding these differences is key to building a radar system that performs reliably in real-world applications.
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