Murata IRA-S200ST01 Pyroelectric Sensor: Complete Technical Analysis

Introduction

The Murata IRA-S200ST01 is a high-performance pyroelectric infrared sensor widely used in security systems, automatic doors, and occupancy detection. This article provides a complete technical analysis of its specifications, characteristics, and integration requirements.

Key Specifications

Parameter Value
Package TO-5 metal can (3-pin)
Detector Element Dual-element (series connection)
Window Material Silicon with IR filter
Spectral Response 7-14 µm (human detection band)
Responsivity 3.3 kV/W (typical at 1 Hz, 500K blackbody)
Noise Equivalent Power (NEP) 1.5×10⁻⁹ W/√Hz
Detectivity (D*) 1.5×10⁸ cm·√Hz/W
Operating Voltage 2-15 V (via external circuit)
Operating Temperature -40°C to +70°C
Storage Temperature -40°C to +80°C

Internal Structure

The IRA-S200ST01 contains two pyroelectric elements connected in series with opposite polarity. This differential configuration provides excellent common-mode rejection of ambient temperature changes and vibration-induced signals.

The sensor includes an integrated JFET impedance converter configured as a source follower. A built-in resistor (typically 10-50 GΩ) provides the necessary DC bias path.

Electrical Characteristics

Output Signal

The sensor outputs a voltage signal that varies with incident IR radiation. Typical signal levels:

  • Human walking at 5m: 10-50 mV peak-to-peak
  • Noise floor: 1-5 mV (depending on bandwidth)

Frequency Response

The sensor’s response rolls off below approximately 0.1 Hz due to the electrical time constant (sensor capacitance × load resistance). The upper cutoff is determined by the thermal time constant of the elements, typically 10-100 Hz.

Equivalent Circuit

The IRA-S200ST01 can be modeled as:

  • Pyroelectric current source (i_p) in parallel with sensor capacitance (C_s ≈ 20-50 pF)
  • Parallel resistance (R_s > 10¹³ Ω)
  • Series JFET source follower with gain ≈ 0.7-0.9

Application Circuit

A typical interface circuit requires:

  1. Load resistor (R_L) from source pin to GND: 10-100 kΩ
  2. Drain resistor (R_D) from drain pin to VCC: 10-100 kΩ
  3. Coupling capacitor to remove DC bias
  4. Subsequent amplification stages (gain 60-80 dB)
Typical circuit:
VCC ──── R_D (47k) ────┬──── Drain pin
                        │
                        ├──── Output to AC coupling
                        │
Source pin ──── R_L (47k) ──── GND

Comparison with Other Murata Models

Model Package Elements Typical Use
IRA-S200ST01 TO-5 Dual (series) General purpose
IRA-S210ST01 TO-5 Dual (parallel) Higher signal
IRA-E700 SMD Single Compact designs
IRA-S230ST01 TO-5 Quad Direction detection

PCB Layout Guidelines

  • Keep traces short, especially to the JFET gate (internal to sensor).
  • Guard ring around the input pins to minimize leakage currents.
  • Avoid running high-speed digital traces near the sensor.
  • Provide adequate decoupling on the power supply.

Lens Selection

The IRA-S200ST01 requires an external Fresnel lens. Murata offers compatible lenses with various patterns:

  • IRA-L408B: Wide angle (100°)
  • IRA-L409B: Long range (curtain)
  • IRA-L410B: Pet immune

Conclusion

The Murata IRA-S200ST01 is a versatile, high-quality pyroelectric sensor suitable for a wide range of motion detection applications. Understanding its characteristics enables optimal circuit design and system integration.

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