In this paper, a compact doppler sensor with oscillator type active antenna operating at 2.4GHz frequency band is proposed to measure the distance to a moving object. The oscillation frequency is shifted depending on approaching of the object, and a detection circuit discriminates the frequency deviation. The active antenna has been designed and simulated. The prototype fabricated has a small circular disk type of diameter 30mm and height 4.2mm. As for antenna performance, broadside radiation pattern with beamwidth of $120^{circ}$ and oscillation frequency of 2.35GHz has been measured. Test results as a range sensor shows that signal voltage of about 240mV has been obtained for conducting plate moving 1 meter away from the sensor. And, signal voltage has been linearly increased to the ground from 5m height by free-falling the sensor.