July 26, 2023 /SemiMedia/ -- STMicroelectronics has announced a novel human-presence and -motion detector to enhance security systems, home-automation equipment, and IoT devices that typically use passive infrared (PIR) sensing.

The STHS34PF80 sensor contains thermal transistors that can detect stationary objects, unlike conventional PIR detectors that require the detected object to be moving to produce a measurable response from the sensor. Also, while PIRs need a Fresnel lens to sense moving objects, ST’s novel detector allows simpler, lens-free construction.

“Today’s smart homes, smart buildings, and IoT applications need accurate presence detection to improve control of systems such as lighting, heating, security, and safety monitoring for a sustainable future,” said Simone Ferri, General Manager, AMS MEMS Sub-Group, STMicroelectronics. “Our new STHS34PF80 is an economical, ultra-low-power sensor that lets building automation operate consistently whether detected occupants are moving or not. It’s made using an innovative combination of CMOS chip fabrication, silicon micromachining, and low-voltage circuit design capabilities.”

Embedding a smart algorithm for presence and motion detection, the STHS34PF80 targets alarms and security systems, home automation, smart lighting, IoT devices, smart lockers, and smart wall pads. Its lens-free range of four meters and 80° field of view cover a large area in front of the sensor. With operating current of 10µA, power consumption is less than a conventional PIR, and the 3.2mm x 4.2mm x 1.455mm surface-mount package is compact and suited to automated high-speed assembly. The sensor has high resistance to unwanted effects of direct lighting and high immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI).

The STEVAL-MKI231KA simplifies experimenting with the STHS34PF80. Plugging into the X-NUCLEO-IKS01A3 or the STEVAL-MKI109V3 lets developers use ST’s Unico-GUI graphical interface to configure the IR sensor and take measurements within a simplified workflow. Drivers for the STHS34PF80 are available on GitHub. In addition, a ready-to-use library for compensating and detecting presence of people or objects is available in the X-CUBE-MEMS1 software package. Users can quickly start running simple applications, taking advantage of the STHS34PF80 and testing the results to begin creating an application.

The STHS34PF80 is in production now and available in a 10-lead land-grid array (LGA) package, priced from $2.60 for orders of 1000 pieces. For further information please visit www.st.com/infrared-sensor.