March 18, 2026 – Tokyo, Japan – Sony Miniaturizes PIR Technology
Sony Semiconductor Solutions has announced the development of an ultra-compact PIR sensor measuring just 2mm × 2mm × 0.8mm, designed for integration into smartphones, wearables, and hearables. The new sensor, designated the IMX-PIR01, represents a significant miniaturization of pyroelectric sensing technology.
The sensor is currently in sampling, with volume production expected in Q4 2026.
Technical Specifications
- Package: 2mm × 2mm × 0.8mm LGA (land grid array)
- Elements: Dual pyroelectric with common-mode rejection
- Integrated optics: Built-in Fresnel lens (no external lens required)
- Field of view: 90° horizontal, 60° vertical
- Detection range: Up to 1 meter (optimized for close-range applications)
- Power consumption: 15 µA (active), 0.5 µA (sleep)
- Supply voltage: 1.8V to 3.3V
- Output: Digital (I2C) with configurable interrupt
Key Innovations
Integrated Optics
The sensor integrates the Fresnel lens directly into the package, eliminating the need for external optics. This simplifies integration and reduces the overall system footprint. The lens is fabricated using semiconductor lithography techniques, enabling precise zone patterns in a miniature form factor.
Ultra-Low Power
The sensor consumes just 15 µA when active, and 0.5 µA in sleep mode. Combined with the integrated wake-on-motion feature, it enables always-on presence detection with minimal impact on smartphone battery life.
High Sensitivity
Despite its small size, the sensor achieves sensitivity comparable to larger PIR modules, with detection range optimized for 0.2-1.0 meters – typical distances for smartphone and wearable applications.
Target Applications
Smartphones
Integrated into the front-facing camera area, the sensor could enable:
- Raise-to-wake detection (turn on screen when user picks up phone)
- Always-on display activation based on user presence
- Attention sensing (keep screen on while user is looking)
- Gestures (wave to silence calls, skip tracks)
Smartwatches and Wearables
In wrist-worn devices, the sensor could enable:
- Wrist raise detection (wake screen when user raises wrist)
- Sleep tracking (detect when watch is being worn)
- Gesture control (flick to dismiss notifications)
Wireless Earbuds (Hearables)
In earbuds, the sensor could detect:
- In-ear presence (pause playback when removed)
- Touchless gesture control (wave to skip tracks)
- Head orientation detection (for spatial audio)
Smart Home Controllers
Smart displays and speakers could use the sensor for:
- Wake-on-approach (activate screen when user approaches)
- Far-field presence detection
- Gesture control from across the room
Comparison with Existing Technologies
Current proximity sensing in smartphones typically uses capacitive sensors or time-of-flight (ToF) cameras. Sony claims the PIR sensor offers advantages:
- Lower power: 15 µA vs. 50-100 µA for ToF
- Privacy: No imaging, only presence detection
- No light source: Passive operation, no illumination needed
- Smaller footprint: 2×2mm vs. larger modules
Development Timeline
- March 2026: Sensor announced, sampling begins
- Q4 2026: Volume production starts
- Q1 2027: First smartphones with integrated sensor expected
- Q2 2027: Wearable and hearable integration
Sony is already in discussions with major smartphone manufacturers about integrating the sensor into 2027 models.
Industry Reaction
“This is a significant breakthrough for PIR technology,” said a mobile industry analyst. “The ability to integrate PIR into smartphones opens up new use cases for presence detection that were previously limited to cameras or larger sensors. We expect this to become a standard feature in premium smartphones within a few years.”
Conclusion
Sony’s ultra-small PIR sensor represents a major step toward ubiquitous presence detection in consumer electronics. By reducing the size and power consumption to levels suitable for smartphones and wearables, Sony is bringing PIR technology to applications previously dominated by cameras and capacitive sensors.