March 2026 – TI Simplifies PIR Sensor Design with New IC
Texas Instruments has announced the PGA460, a dedicated signal conditioning integrated circuit for pyroelectric infrared sensors. The new IC combines all the analog front-end components needed for PIR sensors into a single package, significantly simplifying design and reducing component count.
Key Features
Analog Front-End
- Dual-channel, low-noise programmable gain amplifier (PGA) with gain range 40-80 dB
- Integrated high-pass and low-pass filters with programmable cutoff frequencies
- 16-bit sigma-delta ADC for signal digitization
- Built-in voltage reference and bias generation for pyroelectric elements
Digital Signal Processing
- On-chip DSP with pre-programmed motion detection algorithms
- Configurable threshold detection with hysteresis
- Direction detection algorithm for dual-element sensors
- Optional human/pet classification (requires license)
- Programmable hold time and block time
Interfaces
- I2C interface for configuration and data readout
- Configurable digital output (active-high, active-low, open-drain)
- PWM output for direct LED drive
- Interrupt output for wake-on-motion
Power Consumption
- 45 µA in continuous monitoring mode
- 5 µA in low-power mode (polling every second)
- 0.5 µA in sleep mode (wake-on-interrupt)
- Wide supply voltage: 1.8V to 5.5V
Benefits for Designers
The PGA460 offers several advantages over discrete designs:
- Reduced Component Count: Replaces op-amps, comparators, and passive components
- Smaller PCB Area: 3mm × 3mm QFN package
- Faster Time-to-Market: Pre-validated algorithms reduce development time
- Flexibility: All parameters programmable via I2C
- Consistent Performance: Eliminates component tolerance issues
Target Applications
- Security sensors and motion detectors
- Smart lighting controls
- Occupancy sensors for building automation
- IoT motion sensors
- Automatic doors and gates
- Robotics and people counting
Development Tools
TI offers a complete development ecosystem:
- PGA460EVM: Evaluation module with USB interface
- GUI Software: Windows-based tool for configuration and testing
- Reference Designs: Complete PIR sensor modules with BOM
- Software Libraries: For MSP430, ARM Cortex-M, and other MCUs
Pricing and Availability
The PGA460 is available now for sampling, with volume production scheduled for Q2 2026. Pricing starts at $0.89 in 1000-unit quantities. Evaluation modules are available for $49.
Industry Impact
“The PGA460 democratizes PIR sensor design,” said a TI product manager. “Now even engineers with limited analog experience can create professional-grade motion sensors with advanced features. We expect to see this IC in everything from high-end security systems to low-cost consumer products.”