The Lafaer Wireless Motion Sensor utilizes 24GHz FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) radar technology to detect human presence through micro-movements such as respiratory cycles. Unlike passive infrared systems, this radar-based architecture maintains "Occupied" states even when the subject is stationary. Technical analysis indicates that the hardware is a variant of the Tuya ZY-M100-B series, utilizing the Zigbee protocol for efficient mesh networking and integration with platforms like Home Assistant via ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT.
To preserve battery life in this non-wired configuration, the firmware employs an aggressive duty-cycle sleep mode, resulting in a measured initial trigger latency of 1 to 3 seconds. The physical specifications allow for AA or CR-type battery power, though high-traffic environments will accelerate cell depletion compared to PIR-only devices. Standardized testing shows that 24GHz radar waves can penetrate low-density materials like drywall or glass, requiring software-based sensitivity adjustments to prevent false triggers from adjacent spaces.
Functional highlights include:
- Static Presence Monitoring: Maintains active states during sedentary activities.
- Zigbee 3.0 Connectivity: Provides standardized communication for local automation controllers.
- Sensitivity Calibration: Allows for software-defined detection distance to mitigate ghosting.
The unit's performance is highly dependent on a Tuya-compatible Zigbee gateway for standard configuration, though local polling is possible through open-source coordinators. While it avoids the wiring requirements of high-performance radar units, the polling frequency trade-off limits its application in high-speed transition zones like hallways.
The Aqara FP2 Wired Sensor is recommended as an alternative for applications requiring zero-latency tracking and multi-zone spatial mapping due to its 60GHz wired architecture.
This device represents a high-sensitivity entry in the motion and presence sensors category, focusing on stationary detection capabilities.
