The PIR motion sensors have become very useful due to their ability to detect motion based on passive infrared waves. They are also known as passive infrared detectors or PID.
The PIRs work by detecting the infrared radiation emitted by the objects in close proximity to the sensor.
Every object emits some amount of radiation; the detector notices this energy and shows this as the result through display units. The PIR sensing module consists of a heat source and a detector.
The source releases the PIR and when the object comes across this invisible radiation is picked up by the detector.
The PIR is the most common motion detector technology that is being used in hundreds of applications. The methodology is based on different levels of pyroelectric waves.
You might have witnessed the PIR sensors in security alarms and automatic lighting applications.
The typical PIR sensor can easily detect humans and animals in a certain area and the range or the area covered is based on the sensing specifications of the sensor you use.
The PIRs are widely used due to being the quite simple working principle and these are also contactless meaning the object does not need to be in physical contact with the sensor to detect. It works on remote detection.
These are made with very sensitive material and have two slots and each slot determines the movement to eliminate wrong and false detection.
The Fresnel lenses used in PIRs, are distinctly shaped as domes which increase the field of view to cover more area.
Let’s discuss some of the applications of PIR motion sensors and know its advantages along the way!
Lighting Controls
There are so many types of lights in the market that are enabled with a PIR motion sensor. In smart cities, we have street lights that are smart and connected based on IoT.
These help in conserving energy and provide enough illumination to the person present and turning them off once the road is clear again.
In homes, automated lights are very useful in entryways, garages, bathrooms, and hallways.
These are the places that need good illumination but are not always occupied. Automation provides the ease of handling and comfort of living.
HVAC Systems
Modern and smart consumer electronics have caught the pain point and successfully eliminated the anomalies in them.
For example, the AC units nowadays are coming with a built-in PIR motion sensor for human detection which detects the presence in the room and turns the AC on.
Once the person has stepped out, it will be turned off again. All this helps in reducing the power consumption and automating the house.
Smart Home And IoT
The homes are becoming smart homes and are connected to other devices altogether to provide an excellent experience to the occupier of the house.
Smart homes are integrated with PIR motion sensors and other various sensors like touch sensors and others. Automation is possible with IoT and all devices can be operated remotely through a smartphone.
Home Security
The PIR motion sensors can be connected to the alarm system which will raise an alarm if some intruder or unauthorized person enters the premises, you can also set privacy in a specific area of your house where you do not want others to wander off.
It will provide safety and you can leave your elders or kids at home without worrying about a burglar or other trespassing.
Security and Surveillance Systems
These are embedded in security cameras to deliver on-point safety in areas like malls, or other places.
EKMB and EKMC Series PIR Sensors from Panasonic:
We all know the stake of Panasonic when it comes to the electrical and consumer electronic goods market.
The EKMB series is used in battery-operated devices. It is available in 1μA, 2μA, and 6μA. You can find quite a wide range of distance, 5m distance, 12m, and 17m long-distance options.
Also, the installation is possible in numerous ways like Wall installation, horizontally wide, high-density long distance; even low profile can be done too. The ELMB series comes in black, white, and pearl white lens colors.
The other one, the EKMC series, is an application and device that runs on electric power and is free from batteries. It is available in digital and analog options for quite a large process, which takes a huge amount of power, like 170μA.
This is also available in 5m distance, 12m, and 17m long-distance options. The available color options for lenses are black, white, and pearl white.
This series is also compatible with wall installation, horizontally wide, and high-density long distance.
Conclusion
The PIR motion sensors have a wide range of applications and are being used in day-to-day life to detect intrusion and movement when restricted.
These also raise alarm in case of unauthorized movement. Most smart devices have embedded motion sensors in them. High-tech devices have come to a staple in life.
When writing this article I came across the PIR motion sensor price in India and it was impressive and very competitive considering their range of applications, uses, and benefits.
Hence with the given arguments and facts, it is no exaggeration to say that PIRs are an integral part of security systems and lots of other processes and chores.
