March 5, 2026 – Dallas, TX – TI Expands Analog Portfolio
Texas Instruments today 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.
The PGA460 is available now for sampling, with volume production scheduled for Q3 2026.
Key Features
Integrated Analog Front-End
- Dual-channel, low-noise programmable gain amplifier (PGA) with gain range 40-80 dB
- 16-bit sigma-delta ADC for signal digitization
- Programmable high-pass and low-pass filters with cutoff frequencies from 0.1Hz to 100Hz
- Integrated voltage reference and bias generation for pyroelectric elements
- Automatic offset cancellation
On-Chip Digital Signal Processing
- Motion detection algorithm with programmable threshold and hysteresis
- Direction detection for dual-element sensors
- Pattern matching for human/pet discrimination (optional firmware license)
- Programmable hold time (0.1s to 30 minutes)
- Programmable block time (0s to 10 seconds)
Interfaces
- I2C interface for configuration and data readout (up to 400 kHz)
- Configurable digital output (active-high, active-low, open-drain)
- PWM output for direct LED drive
- Interrupt output for wake-on-motion applications
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)
- Supply voltage: 1.8V to 5.5V
Package and Pricing
- Package: 3mm × 3mm, 20-pin QFN
- Price (1,000 units): $0.89
- Evaluation module: PGA460EVM, $49
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 package
- Faster time-to-market: Pre-validated algorithms reduce development time
- Flexibility: All parameters programmable via I2C
- Consistent performance: Eliminates component tolerance issues
- Lower power: Optimized for battery-powered applications
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
- Elderly care monitoring systems
Development Ecosystem
TI offers a complete development ecosystem:
- PGA460EVM: Evaluation module with USB interface and GUI software
- Reference designs: Complete PIR sensor modules with BOM and layout files
- Software libraries: For MSP430, ARM Cortex-M, and other MCUs
- Application notes: Detailed design guides and troubleshooting tips
- TI E2E support forums: Community and technical support
Industry Reaction
“The PGA460 democratizes PIR sensor design,” said Mark Roberts, Product Manager at Texas Instruments. “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.”
Early customers include several major security system manufacturers and smart home device companies.
Comparison with Discrete Designs
Compared to a typical discrete PIR front-end (2-3 op-amps, comparator, passive components), the PGA460 offers:
- 50-70% reduction in PCB area
- 40-60% lower power consumption
- Programmable parameters (vs. fixed component values)
- Built-in diagnostics and self-test
- Simplified manufacturing and testing
Availability
The PGA460 is available now for sampling through TI’s website and authorized distributors. Volume production begins in Q3 2026. The PGA460EVM evaluation module is available for $49.
Conclusion
Texas Instruments’ PGA460 represents a significant step forward in PIR sensor integration. By combining analog front-end, digital processing, and flexible interfaces in a single low-cost IC, it promises to simplify PIR sensor design and enable new applications.