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About This Instructable

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adafruit
(/member/adafruit/)
Adafruit Industries
(http://www.adafruit.com/)

(/member/adafruit/)
585
Bio: All-original DIY electronics kits Adafruit Industries is a New York City
based company that sells kits and parts for
original, open source hardware electronics
projects ... More (/member/adafruit/)
(/file/FXYEQAUFYIZHAJN/)
More by adafruit:

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Helper/)

(/id/Adafruit-

Pyroelectric ("Passive") InfraRed sensors:

PIR Motion Sensor Tutorial

by adafruit (/member/adafruit/)

'''What is a PIR sensor?''' (http://www.adafruit.com/index.php?

Download (/id/PIR-Motion-Sensor-Tutorial/?download=pdf)
main_page=product_info&cPath=35&products_id=189)

Photo-Tutorial/)

(/id/PIR-Motion-Sensor-Tutorial/?ALLSTEPS)
8 Steps
h
. (/id/PIR-Motion-Sensor-Tutorial/step2/Lenses/)
PIR sensors allow you to sense motion, almost always used to detect whether a
I Made it!
human has moved in or out of the sensors range. They are small, inexpensive, low Collection
Favorite
power, easy to use and don't wear out. For that reason they are commonly found in
(/id/Logger-Shield-Datalogging-forArduino/)
appliances and gadgets used in homes or businesses. They are often referred to
as PIR, "Passive Infrared", "Pyroelectric", or "IR motion" sensors.
Tags:

PIRs are basically made of a pyroelectric sensor

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyroelectric) (which you can see above as the round
metal can with a rectangular crystal in the center), which can detect levels of
infrared radiation. Everything emits some low level radiation, and the hotter
something is, the more radiation is emitted. The sensor in a motion detector is
actually split in two halves. The reason for that is that we are looking to detect
motion (change) not average IR levels. The two halves are wired up so that they
cancel each other out. If one half sees more or less IR radiation than the other, the
output will swing high or low.

pir (/tag/type-id/keyw ord-pir/)

motion (/tag/type-id/keyw ord-motion/)

sensor (/tag/type-id/keyw ord-sensor/)
arduino (/tag/type-id/keyw ord-arduino/)
adafruit (/tag/type-id/keyw ord-adafruit/)
electronincs (/tag/type-id/keyw ord-electronincs/)
art (/tag/type-id/keyw ord-art/)
science (/tag/type-id/keyw ord-science/)
passive infrared (/tag/type-id/keyw ord-passive%20infrared/)

passive infrared (/tag/type-id/keyw ord-passive%20infrared/)

Along with the pyroelectic sensor is a bunch of supporting circuitry, resistors and
capacitors. It seems that most small hobbyist sensors use the BISS0001 ("Micro
Power PIR Motion Detector IC")
(http://www.ladyada.net/media/sensors/BISS0001.pdf), undoubtedly a very
inexpensive chip. This chip takes the output of the sensor and does some minor
processing on it to emit a digital output pulse from the analog sensor.
For many basic projects or products that need to detect when a person has left or
entered the area, or has approached, PIR sensors are great. They are low power
and low cost, pretty rugged, have a wide lens range, and are easy to interface with.
Note that PIRs won't tell you how many people are around or how close they are to
the sensor, the lens is often fixed to a certain sweep and distance (although it can
be hacked somewhere) and they are also sometimes set off by house pets.
Experimentation is key!

Related

(/id/PIR-

(/id/Arduino-

Some basic stats

(/id/Motion-

These stats are for the PIR sensor in the Adafruit shop which is very much like the
Parallax one
(http://www.parallax.com/Store/Sensors/ObjectDetection/tabid/176/ProductID/83/Lis
t/0/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName). Nearly all PIRs will have
slightly different specifications, although they all pretty much work the same. If
there's a datasheet, you'll want to refer to it
Size: Rectangular
Price: $10.00 at the Adafruit shop (http://www.adafruit.com/index.php?
main_page=product_info&cPath=35&products_id=189)
Output: Digital pulse high (3V) when triggered (motion detected) digital low when
idle (no motion detected). Pulse lengths are determined by resistors and
capacitors on the PCB and differ from sensor to sensor.
Sensitivity range: up to 20 feet (6 meters) 110 degrees x 70 degrees detection
range
Power supply: 3.3V - 5V input voltage,
BIS0001 Datasheet (http://www.ladyada.net/media/sensors/BISS0001.pdf) (the
decoder chip used)
RE200B datasheet (http://www.ladyada.net/media/sensors/RE200B.pdf) (most
likely the PIR sensing element used)
NL11NH datasheet (http://www.ladyada.net/media/sensors/NL11NH.pdf)
(equivalent lens used)
Parallax Datasheet on their version of the sensor
(http://www.ladyada.net/media/sensors/PIRSensor-V1.2.pdf)
More links!
A great page on PIR sensors from GLOLAB
(http://www.glolab.com/pirparts/infrared.html)
NYU sensor report
(http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Reports/PassiveInfraRedSensor)

Step 1: How does it work?

(/id/Burglar-

(/id/How-to-

PIR SENSOR WITH ARDUINO

ACTIVATE STEPPER MOTOR
(/id/PIR-SENSOR-WITHARDUINO-ACTIVATESTEPPER-MOTOR/)
Arduino Controlled Motion
Sensor (/id/ArduinoControlled-Motion-Sensor/)
by LemonSlice
(/member/LemonSlice/)
Motion Tracker with PIRs,
Arduino and a Servo
(/id/Motion-Tracker-with-PIRArduino-and-a-Servo/)
by JimRD (/member/JimRD/)
Burglar Alarm- LinkIt One
(/id/Burglar-Alarm-LinkItOne/)
by Pooja_Baraskar
(/member/Pooja_Baraskar/)
How to make a Arduino pir
sensor alarm (/id/How-tomake-a-Arduino-pir-sensoralarm/)
by coolyyz154

(/file/FXWS6GHFYNTA23Z/)

PIR sensors are more complicated than many of the other sensors explained in
these tutorials (like photocells, (http://www.instructables.com/id/Photocell-tutorial/)
FSRs (http://www.instructables.com/id/FSR-Tutorial/) and tilt switches
(http://www.instructables.com/id/Tilt-Sensor-Tutorial/)) because there are multiple
variables that affect the sensors input and output. To begin explaining how a basic
sensor works, we'll use the rather nice diagram below (if anyone knows where it
originates plz let me know).
The PIR sensor itself has two slots in it, each slot is made of a special material that
is sensitive to IR. The lens used here is not really doing much and so we see that
the two slots can 'see' out past some distance (basically the sensitivity of the
sensor). When the sensor is idle, both slots detect the same amount of IR, the
ambient amount radiated from the room or walls or outdoors. When a warm body
like a human or animal passes by, it first intercepts one half of the PIR sensor,
which causes a positive differential change between the two halves. When the
warm body leaves the sensing area, the reverse happens, whereby the sensor
generates a negative differential change. These change pulses are what is
detected.
The PIR sensor itself
The IR sensor itself is housed in a hermetically sealed metal can to improve
noise/temperature/humidity immunity. There is a window made of IR-transmissive
material (typically coated silicon since that is very easy to come by) that protects
the sensing element. Behind the window are the two balanced sensors.
Check out the images for more details:

Previous

Next (/id/PIR-Motion-Sensor-Tutorial/step2/Lenses/)
View All Steps (/id/PIR-Motion-Sensor-Tutorial/?ALLSTEPS)
Download (/id/PIR-Motion-Sensor-Tutorial/?download=pdf)

We have a be nice comment policy.

Please be positive and constructive.

w I Made it!

Add Images

SentryGunner (/member/SentryGunner)

Post Comment

18 days ago

Reply

3 months ago

Reply

4 months ago

Reply

9 months ago

Reply

Hello, can anybody please help me with this? I was wondering

if there was some sort of filter that I could place in front of the
pir module, that would filter out any low temperature objects
and only allow high temperatures to trigger the sensor (body
heat). I plan to mount the sensor on a rotating turret, and when
it spins I don't want the sensors to be triggered by the moving
background (walls, bookshelves, etc.) thanks.

AashishR1 (/member/AashishR1)

Hey! can the PIR sensor also detect a bird?

kavish laxkar (/member/kavish laxkar)

hi i am using PIR for last 2 months..Now i measured the

output voltage and found it is 3.1 volt. (u said its 3.3v) Is my
PIR is dead...or is working fine.? plz help

nmcnaughton (/member/nmcnaughton)

its not working for me. when i plug everything in and upload
the sketch the led comes on and stays on. in the serial
monitor it says motion detected. my pir does not have a
jumper on the back but it does have three pads. there is 2
pots on it and i tried adjusting them but it didnt seem to help.
i got the pir on ebay (http://tinyurl.com/led58rm) if any one
can help that would be great

(http://cdn.instructables.com/FC1/C8AJ/I9FGWNBF/FC1C8AJI9FGWNBF.LARGE.jpg)

Snick543 (/member/Snick543) . nmcnaughton (/member/nmcnaughton)

In the data sheet the pins you have marked are used to set the
trigger in either single or repeat modes. I tried using the system
in single trigger mode by soldering the 1st and 2nd pins but it
seemed to heat up the system. I then soldered the 2nd and 3rd
pins(Circled in Red) and it worked all right.

Reply

5 months ago

(http://cdn.instructables.com/FRK/Y3Y2/IE2FZ9OY/FRKY3Y2IE2FZ9OY.LARGE.jpg)

nmcnaughton (/member/nmcnaughton) . Snick543 (/member/Snick543)

ok i may try soldering them together and see what

happens. :)

5 months ago

ShashiK3 (/member/ShashiK3) . nmcnaughton (/member/nmcnaughton)

Somewhat similar problem - My sensor detects even there is

NO movement. So I changed the pots so that it lowers
sensitivity. no help.

Reply

Reply

6 months ago

TrentonN1 (/member/TrentonN1) . nmcnaughton (/member/nmcnaughton)

6 months ago

Reply

sanjaygupta007 (/member/sanjaygupta007)

5 months ago

Reply

sanjaygupta007 (/member/sanjaygupta007)

5 months ago

Reply

a year ago

Reply

Same problem and sensor can only get it to turn off

after a minute under a box.

Sasando_Rote (/member/Sasando_Rote)

how to if i want used 3 PIR for the sensor?

wymand (/member/wymand) . Sasando_Rote (/member/Sasando_Rote)

Reply

I have python code that monitors multiple sensors on my page. 8 months ago
http://tigermountainsprings.net/wp/index.php/6-pir-infraredsensors-and-the-coop/

tonizey (/member/tonizey)

a year ago

Reply

a year ago

Reply

a year ago

Reply

please how can i connect it to a loud alarm and an halogen

bulb?

mohamed.h.madyan (/member/mohamed.h.madyan)

Can i adjust the range to be 0.5 feet not 20 ? or it's fixed .

fadecomic (/member/fadecomic)

What does it mean if the LED is flashing at a very regular

interval? Almost like it's on a timer? It's not random.

shantharoopan (/member/shantharoopan)

a year ago

Reply

a year ago

Reply

a year ago

Reply

2 years ago

Reply

2 years ago

Reply

3 years ago

Reply

Excellent tutorial!!
Hats-off

X
8

Nawaz (/member/Nawaz)

If still required, Pictures in Step 1 is from the "Infrared Parts

Manual" by "GLOLAB corporation". Hope this helps :)
http://www.bucek.name/pdf/re200b.pdf

henrikekblad (/member/henrikekblad)

If you want to make your own wireless PIR sensor, try out
MySensors motion sensor example:
http://www.mysensors.org/build/motion
(http://www.mysensors.org/build/motion)
Arduino library on Github:
https://github.com/mysensors/ (https://github.com/mysensors/)

sriramsrikp (/member/sriramsrikp)

How to connect two PIR sensor in one circuit which connected

with one light??? If i cross either of the sensor means the
single light which is connected to the circuit should glow.

Oliverhall (/member/Oliverhall)

Very nice tutorial! Just want to share this place where you can
get the HC-SR501 PIR sensor for cheap:
http://voltatek.com/en/sensors/69-motion-sensor-m...
(http://voltatek.com/en/sensors/69-motion-sensor-module-hcsr501-pyroelectric-ir-infrared-adjustable.html)

|
8

Sun Gear (/member/Sun Gear)

When testing, is the resistor necessary?

facelessbutcher (/member/facelessbutcher) . Sun Gear (/member/Sun Gear)

..the resistor is needed for testing with LED (to limit the 2 years ago
current)

nodoubtman (/member/nodoubtman)

3 years ago

Reply

Reply

what if i would like to turn on a relay when trigger?

thanks!
marC:)

fcharest1 (/member/fcharest1) . nodoubtman (/member/nodoubtman)

buy this
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/310566336050?ssPageName=STR...

Reply

2 years ago

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/310566336050?ssPageName=STR...
(http://www.ebay.ca/itm/310566336050?
ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649)
very easy to use

jonyeador (/member/jonyeador)

2 years ago

Reply

What would i have to do so that it alerts my phone when motion

is detected?

fcharest1 (/member/fcharest1) . jonyeador (/member/jonyeador)

gsm shield and a activated sim card and some electronic basic
supply

beardy (/member/beardy)

Reply

2 years ago

2 years ago

Reply

2 years ago

Reply

How much current can the module deliver to the output?

Great write up. Thanks.

badman5 (/member/badman5) . beardy (/member/beardy)

not really, he copy and pasted it from the website he linked.

mhaziq (/member/mhaziq)

3 years ago

Reply

GraziCNU (/member/GraziCNU) . mhaziq (/member/mhaziq) 2 years ago

Reply

Hey there guys, i would just like to know does the PIR motion
works with other programming such as C programming and
such. Another thing is, is it possible to do this:
When sensor detects, LED lights up
When sensor x detect, LED would dim instead of off.
Thanks. Your reply would be highly appreciated.

X
8

I actually just posted an Instructable recently that essentially does what you
are asking. Only thing you would have to change in the code is the PWM
value in the analogWrite() function from 0 (which is totally off) to 50 or so
(which would make the LED shine dimly).

bhermance (/member/bhermance)

2 years ago

Reply

2 years ago

Reply

WOW! Thanks for this tutorial!! I love it! Thanks for doing this!!!
11 thumbs out of 10!!! :-)

stonez56 (/member/stonez56)

Hi,
I would like to know if PIR sensor can tell me that the person in
range is moving toward to the left or right? Is it possible or I
need something else to detect?
Thanks!

X
|
8

Brennn10 (/member/Brennn10)

6 years ago

Reply

Are you still selling the sensors on your website?

senbalily (/member/senbalily) . Brennn10 (/member/Brennn10)

hi We sell this PIR sensor my web is http://en.nysenba.com and

my email is lily@sbcds.com

Mihaiu (/member/Mihaiu)

Reply

2 years ago

2 years ago

Reply

3 years ago

Reply

3 years ago

Reply

5 years ago

Reply

4 years ago

Reply

@mhaziq
Yes, it is possible to dim the LED upon detection.

alexbjj (/member/alexbjj)

Great tutorial. I am looking for tutorial where i can turn on some

kind of camera with motion sensor and arduino. Rurn it
on,record some video or take a few pics and turn camera off. i
am very new in programming and arduino. Can you give some
advice where can i find something similar, please!

u29081778 (/member/u29081778)

How would you increase the sensitivity of the PIR sensor using
Arduino? (using code)
I'm doing a project, and coding in Arduino.

Vick Jr (/member/Vick Jr)

I'm going to use one of these to detect opponents in air-soft

wars. Is there any material that i can cover the sensor with to
protect it from BBs but will still allow IR light through?

ringai (/member/ringai) . Vick Jr (/member/Vick Jr)

A 1/4 piece of Lexan (polycarbonate) should do the trick. You can heat form
it to fit the pir using an automotive soldering iron and a suitable metal form.
It's a tricky thing to do, so practice in an open area, being wary of
overheating the lexan, of any fumes, and of starting a fire.

ideliza28 (/member/ideliza28)

4 years ago

Reply

4 years ago

Reply

4 years ago

Reply

is it possible to change the LED into a servo, and if it is what

other changes do i have to do? thank you...

roslan bin ramli (/member/roslan bin ramli)

can we use this PIR sensor at night, for example, a remote

area with no road street lights. please reply...thank you..

roslan bin ramli (/member/roslan bin ramli)

This detector can detect a car? For example, a car on the

road. I make a mini project on road safety. I want to put this
sensor to detect the car. Will it be applied? I just want to find
out.

X
|
8

imakethings (/member/imakethings)

4 years ago

Reply

5 years ago

Reply

5 years ago

Reply

5 years ago

Reply

gr8 tutorial.. got one of these for 2 $

creator22 (/member/creator22)

i did this step and it doesn't work :( ideas???

TerryKing (/member/TerryKing)

Some more info here on using these with Arduino:

http://arduino-info.wikispaces.com/BrickPushbuttons%26OtherSwitches#Motion

X
8

Auger Duval (/member/Auger Duval)

I have just the sensor (TO9 can package) itself. A PIR D203S.
The datasheet tells me how to hook it up: 5V, Gnd and Signal
(it is an analog device). But it tells me very little about the
signal I will be getting. Short of dragging out my O-scope and
doing the testing; do you know what type of signal I should
expect? This module from LA you use is nice, but I'm using my
own uController so I wouldn't get the clean digital signal you
show. BTW Wonderful writeup! you would make my old college
profs proud.

X
8

X
|
8

Auger Duval (/member/Auger Duval) . Auger Duval (/member/Auger Duval)

opps, it a TO-5 package not a TO-9

kyle brinkerhoff (/member/kyle brinkerhoff)

5 years ago

Reply

5 years ago

Reply

huh, got 10 of these super cheep from my school used, now i

actually know what they do!

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