Introduction:

A motion detector is a device that contains a motion sensor that detects moving objects and transforms the detection of motion into an electric signal

It is often integrated as a component of a system that automatically performs a task or alerts a user of motion in an area. Motion detectors form a vital component of security, automated lighting control, home control, energy efficiency, and other useful systems

Motion Sensors Types

There are two basic kinds of motion detector sensors, active and passive sensors. They are categorized based on how they detect motion. Active sensors sends out bursts of energy ultrasonic sound waves, basic radar signal or beam light. Ultrasonic sound waves being the most popular of the three. Passive sensors don't send out energy, instead it reads the changes in the energy, using a predetermined baseline.

Active Sensors

Active sensors work by sending out bursts of ultrasonic sound waves, after which the sensor waits for the energy to be reflected back. Good example of an active motion sensor is and automatic door opener. If there is nobody in the immediate area the waves will return in the same patter in which they were released. If someone or something disturbs the pattern, the sensor sends an alarm signal in the event of disturbance in the pattern. The disturbed pattern triggers the sensor and opens the door.

Figure 1. How motion motion sensors work.

Passive Sensros

They are also known as passive infrared sensors (or PIR sensors) because they detect and measure incoming infrared energy. They are sometimes also called pyroelectric detectors. Any body, including animals and humans, will emit infrared energy because it creates heat. This energy emitted by humans and animals depending on the temperature of the body but in humans, it's usually between 9 and 10 micrometers. Most passive infrared sensors can actually detect emissions in the range of 8 to 12 micrometers. They do this with use of a photo detector. The photo detector coverts light in these wavelengths into an electrical current, which is run through a tiny computer housed in the unit. The alarm is triggered when the photo detector detects large or fast variations in the distribution of the emitted infrared energy. Normal movement in humans will naturally create such variations. Smaller variations are ignored by the computer to allow for naturally occurring events in the supervised area, such as the slow rise of heat as the sun rises for the day.

Figure 2. Sensor diagram.

Sensor characteristics

AMN31111

Figure 3 AMN31111 sensor

Figure 4 Electrical characteristic from AMN31111 datasheet

Figure 5. AMN31111 sensor digital and analog block diagram

AMN3111 is has singe-chip IC with built-in amplifier and comparator.

It detects variations in infrared rays. However, it may not detect in the following case: lack of movement, no temperature change in the heat source

Signal can converted to digital by external A/D converter. It also can be connected directly to microcomputer. Signal may not be need to convert to digital if digital version of the sensor is chosen.

It's calibrated to detect differences in the temperature between the background and the object, movement speed and the object(human body).

Some noise is detected in the sensor, typical noise value being 155 m Vp-p to maximum of 300 m Vp-p. A noise ﬁlter is recommended for applications requiring enhanced detection, reliability and noise withstanding capability.

The sensors circuit is entirely enclosed in a TO-5 metal package which is standardized metal semiconductor package. The front surface of the lens and case are made of polycarbonate and the lens is made of soft materials, polyethylene. The materials are resistant to water, alcohol, oil, salt and weak acids which allows it to be use outdoors but not recommended if not waterproofed.

Group members:

Riku Sorsa

References:

Child pages

Motion detector

Sensor characteristics

AMN31111