STMicroelectronics (ST), a global semiconductor company supporting a wide range of electronic applications and customers, is enhancing the performance of existing security systems, home automation equipment, and IoT devices by launching a highly integrated, ultra-low-power sensor equipped with microfabrication thermal transistors that can replace conventional passive infrared detectors.

ST recently launched the STHS34PF80 sensor, a new human presence and motion detection solution.

Unlike conventional PIR detectors that obtain a measurable response only when there is movement of the target object, the STHS34PF80 sensor is equipped with a thermal transistor capable of detecting stationary objects.

In addition, while PIR requires a Fresnel lens to detect moving objects, ST's new detector does not require a lens, allowing for a simpler configuration.

Simone Ferri, Head of the AMS MEMS Subgroup at ST, stated, “Today’s smart homes, smart buildings, and IoT applications require accurate human presence detection solutions to improve control capabilities for systems such as lighting, heating, security, and safety monitoring for a sustainable future.” She added, “ST’s new STHS34PF80 is a cost-effective ultra-low-power sensor that enables consistent building automation regardless of the movement of the detected occupant.“It supports operation. This device was realized through an innovative combination of CMOS chip manufacturing, silicon microfabrication, and low-voltage circuit design capabilities,” he said.

The STHS34PF80 features a built-in smart algorithm that supports presence and motion detection, and can be applied to alarm and security systems, home automation, smart lighting, IoT devices, smart lockers, and smart wall panels.

It covers a wide area in front of the sensor by supporting a distance of 4m and an 80° field of view without a lens. With an operating current of 10μA, it consumes less power than conventional PIR solutions, and its small 3.2mm x 4.2mm x 1.455mm surface mount package makes it suitable for automated high-speed assembly processes.

This sensor minimizes the effects of unwanted direct lighting and has high immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI).

The STEVAL-MKI231KA kit is also supported for simple evaluation of the STHS34PF80. Developers can connect to the X-NUCLEO-IKS01A3 or STEVAL-MKI109V3 to configure the infrared (IR) sensor using ST's Unico-GUI graphical interface and perform measurements with a simple workflow.

Drivers for the STHS34PF80 are available on GitHub. Additionally, ready-to-use libraries for detecting and correcting the presence of people or objects are available through the X-CUBE-MEMS1 software package. Users can utilize the STHS34PF80 to quickly run simple applications to test results, and then create applications.