PIR motion sensors

PIR motion sensor:

PIR (Passive Infrared) motion sensors are commonly used in various applications such as security systems, automatic lighting systems, and smart homes. They detect motion by measuring infrared radiation emitted by objects in their field of view.

fig: PIR Motion sensor 

Here is a brief explanation of how PIR motion sensors work:


  • The PIR sensor consists of two halves that detect infrared radiation emitted by objects.
  • When an object moves in front of the sensor, it emits infrared radiation that is detected by one half of the sensor.
  • This detection triggers a change in the voltage across the sensor, which is measured by the electronics inside the sensor.
  • The electronics then interpret this voltage change as motion and trigger an output signal.
  • The output signal can be used to activate a security alarm, turn on lights, or trigger any other action that is programmed into the system.


It is important to note that PIR motion sensors are sensitive to changes in temperature, so they may trigger false alarms if they are installed in areas where the temperature changes frequently. Additionally, they have a limited range and may not detect objects beyond a certain distance.


Pin Diagram:



A PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor typically has three pins, which are:

  • VCC (or +): This is the power supply pin, which is usually connected to a +5V or +3.3V power source.
  • GND (or -): This is the ground pin, which is usually connected to the ground of the power source
  • OUT (or signal): This is the output pin, which sends a digital signal to the microcontroller or other electronics when motion is detected.

Here is a brief explanation of each of the pins:

  • VCC: The power supply pin is connected to a power source to provide the PIR sensor with the required voltage to operate.
  • GND: The ground pin is connected to the ground of the power source to provide a reference for the other pins.
  • OUT: The output pin sends a digital signal (usually high or low) to the microcontroller or other electronics when motion is detected. This signal can be used to trigger various actions, such as turning on lights, sounding an alarm, or sending a notification.


It is important to note that the pin configuration may vary slightly depending on the specific PIR sensor model. It is recommended to refer to the datasheet of the sensor for detailed pin configurations and specifications.

LINK : 3ZZ5FIB

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