PIR & Motion Sensor
PIR & Motion Sensor
Introduction Few things are more frustrating than a motion sensor that triggers for no apparent reason. If your PIR sensor is acting up, here are the most likely culprits and how to address them. 1. Heat Sources PIR sensors detect…
Introduction You’ve connected your PIR sensor, uploaded the code, but nothing happens. Or maybe it’s triggering randomly. Don’t worry—most PIR issues are easy to fix. Here are 7 common problems and their solutions. 1. Check Power Supply Symptom: Sensor doesn’t…
A Analog Output: A continuous voltage signal proportional to the amount of infrared detected, as opposed to a digital on/off output. Angular Coverage: The horizontal angle over which the sensor can detect motion, typically 90° to 180°. B Black Body…
Why Mounting Matters The performance of a PIR sensor depends heavily on its mounting height, angle, and location. Incorrect placement can lead to blind spots, false triggers, or missed detections. Recommended Mounting Height Most PIR sensors are designed for indoor…
What is a Pyroelectric Sensor? The pyroelectric sensor is the fundamental component that converts infrared radiation into an electrical signal. It consists of a crystalline material that exhibits the pyroelectric effect: a temporary voltage generated when the material’s temperature changes.…
Introduction When using PIR sensors, two timing parameters significantly affect behavior: hold time (also called delay time) and block time (lockout time). Understanding these parameters is essential for designing reliable motion-triggered systems. Hold Time (Delay Time) Definition: The duration the…
Voltage Levels in Modern Electronics Traditional microcontrollers like Arduino Uno operate at 5V logic levels, while modern platforms such as ESP32, Raspberry Pi, and many IoT devices use 3.3V logic. PIR sensors come in both flavors, and using the wrong…
The Infrared Spectrum and Human Body All objects with a temperature above absolute zero emit infrared radiation. The wavelength of peak emission depends on the object’s temperature, described by Wien’s displacement law: λ_max = b / T (where b ≈…
What is a Fresnel Lens? A Fresnel lens is a compact optical component that focuses infrared radiation onto the pyroelectric sensor element. It consists of concentric grooves that act as individual refractive surfaces, allowing a thin, lightweight lens to have…
The Basics: What Comes Out of a PIR Sensor? At its core, a PIR sensor element (the pyroelectric detector) produces an extremely small analog voltage signal when exposed to changing infrared radiation. This raw signal is typically measured in millivolts…