Rain Sensors

Definition and Principle of a Rain Sensor

Rain sensors enhance safety and comfort while driving, as they avoid the need of a driver to
adjust the wiper setting on the windshield in order to ensure clear view via the windshield
without rattling of the wiper blades. These sensors automatically switch on the wiper in case
of a water splash on the windshield. Upon installation of the assistant light switch, the
headlamps of the vehicle will be turned on automatically without the need to have the lights
on throughout. Bosch RSM3ALS is the commonly used rain sensor having an assistant light
switch.
The optical system of the rain sensor comprises of an electronic control unit (ECU), ambient
light sensor, lenses, a light receiving diode (LRD) and a light-emitting diode (LED). Outer
surface of the windshield reflects the light produced from the LED at an angle of total
reflection, which is in the range of 42 to 63. Some amount of light is coupled out if the
windshield contains water. As a result, LRD generates less amount of current, which is
estimated by the electronics. The area where the light is reflected from the windshield to LRD
is known as the sensitive area of the sensor. Detection of rain by the sensor depends on the
hitting of water drops on the sensitive area. A reliable and sensitive system is achieved when
the ratio between the windshield area and sensitive area is considerable.
Functional Principle
The infrared (IR) transmitter unit radiates IR light, which is directed to the windshield
through the lens. The IR receiver located at another end of the lens measures the intensity of
the light reflected from the windshield.
The light is completely reflected if the sensitive area of the windshield is dry. As a result, the
intensity of light measured by the IR receiver is high.
A part of light from the windshield is scattered if the sensitive area of the windshield is wet.
Thus, the intensity of light is reduced.
Measurement of light intensity is associated with the amount of water present on the
windshield. If the measured light intensity is small, the amount of water on the windshield is
large.
Rain Sensors for Irrigation and Types of Application
Rain sensors are major components of an automatic system used in regions where rainfall is
observed during the months of irrigation. These devices automatically turn off the irrigation
system upon receiving a desired amount of rainfall and enable the system to resume its preset
conditions when the device is dried. In Florida, the installation of rain sensors in irrigation
system has become mandatory since 1991. However, the utilization of rain sensors in the
region where the rainfall occurs in winter is limited due to minimal or non-existence of
irrigation. The following video describes the functional principle to the Rain Bird RSD Series
Rain Sensors, which turns off a sprinkler system to conserve water.
The key benefits of rain sensors used in irrigation system are as follows:
Inexpensive
Less installation time
Improved performance and reliability.
Rain Sensors for Automotive
The windshield is mounted with rain sensor to detect the movement of wiper and rain without
disturbing the view of the driver. This sensor device can control the wiping actions at variable
speeds when the system is switched on. Generally, the following two different sensor systems
are used:
Rain sensors in a network: These sensors are linked to a bus system through which all
information and commands can be sent and received.
Stand-alone rain sensors: These rain sensors are directly connected to the wiper motor park
signal, wiper motor relays and wiper column switch.
Evaluation of Analog Signal
The following section will discuss in detail about the components used for evaluating analog
signal.
Transmitter
The transmitter comprises a current source, a digital-analog converter (DAC) and LEDs. It is
necessary to regulate the transmitter current as the light conversion efficiency is variable. In
an attempt to increase the current and reduce power loss at LEDs, light from the LEDs is
pulsed.
Receiver
The receiver is provided with an amplifier, a current-voltage converter, LRDs, a filter to
avoid low frequency or dc offsets and an analog-digital converter (ADC), which is included
in a microcontroller. The microcontroller switches on or off the LRD to control the optical
path. A variable current- voltage converter is used for wide transmission ranges. The signal is
filtered after conversion and then amplified. The amplified signal is converted using ADC.
Microcontroller
The entire system is controlled by the microcontroller, which also performs evaluation of the
signal. The best operating point is determined before performing the measurements. A signal
is generated by the microcontroller between the upper and lower limits at the receiver. At this
point, the sensor starts functioning. The signal and disturbance is evaluated repeatedly.
Further, an extra sensor measures ambient light for identifying day/night conditions.