Virtual Loop Vehicle Detection for Automatic Barrier Arms

The BEA EVOLOOP is a microwave-based virtual loop sensor designed as an alternative to traditional in-ground induction loops for automatic barrier applications. Instead of cutting pavement and installing physical loop wire, EVOLOOP mounts at the barrier and creates configurable virtual detection zones for vehicle presence, barrier activation, and protection near the boom arm.

Using 60GHz FMCW microwave technology, EVOLOOP provides a 140° field of view and supports up to 3 virtual loops for access control, parking, toll, ticketing, biometric recognition, and license plate recognition applications. The sensor can be configured through the EVOLOOP mobile app, allowing installers to run teach-in, define loop behavior, select loop type, set target type, and use direction filtering to help reduce unwanted cross-traffic detection.

EVOLOOP is built for outdoor barrier environments where weather, pavement condition, and installation time matter. Its IP65-rated housing, wide operating temperature range, low power consumption, Bluetooth setup, and programmable loop zones make it a practical detection solution for parking facilities, gated entrances, security lanes, and barrier arm systems where trenching or saw-cut loop installation is not preferred.

Key Features

• 60GHz microwave virtual loop sensor for automatic barrier arms
• Alternative to traditional in-ground induction loop systems
• Supports up to 3 configurable virtual loops
• Designed for vehicle presence, barrier activation, and protection detection
• 140° radar field of view with up to 23 ft maximum detection field
• Mobile app setup with teach-in, loop configuration, viewer, and diagnostics
• Direction filtering helps reduce cross-traffic detection
• Suitable for access control, parking, toll, ticketing, biometric, and LPR applications
• IP65-rated housing for outdoor barrier environments
• Operates in challenging weather conditions including fog, rain, frost, and snow
• Supports barrier arm systems with skirt or hinged support features
• Helps reduce pavement cutting, loop wire installation, and construction disruption

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: BEA
• Model: EVOLOOP
• Product Type: Virtual loop sensor for automatic barriers
• Technology: 60GHz microwave FMCW
• Radiated Frequency: 60GHz
• Detection Types: Presence and protection
• Virtual Loop Capacity: Up to 3 virtual loops
• Maximum Detection Field: Up to 23 ft.
• Radar Field of View: 140° opening field and 40° elevation
• Antenna Angle Adjustment: -20° to 20°
• Mounting Height: 12 in. to 27 in. from the road, viewed horizontally
• Supply Voltage: 12–30 VDC ±10% or 12–24 VAC ±10%
• Maximum Power Consumption: Less than 3 W
• Peak Current at Power-On: 1.3 A
• Cable Length: 9.8 ft.
• Response Time: Typically 100 ms, 250 ms maximum
• Outputs: 2 electronic relays, galvanic isolated and polarity free; 1 relay
• Electronic Relay Max Switching Voltage: 35 VDC / 24 VAC
• Electronic Relay Max Switching Current: 80 mA resistive
• Relay Max Switching Voltage: 30 VAC / 42 VDC
• Relay Max Switching Current: 1 A
• Relay Max Switching Power: 30 W
• Test Input: 1 optocoupler, galvanic isolated and polarity free
• LEDs: 3 RGB LEDs and 1 white LED for Bluetooth status
• Bluetooth Operating Bandwidth: 2402–2480 MHz
• Bluetooth Max Transmitted Power: 12 dBm
• Protection Rating: IP65, IEC 60529
• Temperature Range: -13°F to 131°F
• Humidity Range: 0–95% relative humidity, non-condensing
• Dimensions: 2 in. x 6 in. x 3 in. form factor
• Material / Color: PC, ASA, aluminum ADC12 / black
• Compliance: EN 12453 Type D
• FCC Certification: FCC ID G98-200768, IC 4680A-200768
• App Support: EVOLOOP mobile app for setup, teach-in, viewing, and diagnostics

Conclusion

The BEA EVOLOOP is a strong option for automatic barrier sites that need vehicle detection without the pavement work required for traditional induction loops. Its virtual loop configuration, app-based teach-in, IP65 housing, and protection/presence detection make it useful for parking, gated access, toll, and security barrier systems where detection accuracy, installation time, and long-term serviceability all matter.