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Introduction
Looking to add some motion detection to a project you are working on? The SparkFun PIR Breakout - 170uA (EKMC4607112K) and SparkFun PIR Breakout - 1uA (EKMB1107112) might be just the thing! These breakouts use two versions of the EKM-series PIR sensors from Panasonic® to offer low profile motion-sensing options for both battery powered and continuously powered applications.
Out of stock
SEN-17372
Great for detecting motion in a small area & optimized for small movements to offer motion-sensing options for continuously p…
In stock
SEN-17373
Great for detecting motion in a small area and optimized for small movements to offer motion-sensing options for battery powe…
1
Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors do not return specific distance data like distance sensors. Instead, PIR sensors measure IR light coming from objects to detect motion in their field of view making them perfect for motion-sensing applications such as turning devices like lights, cameras, motors, etc. on automatically. The PIR sensors on these breakouts output a digital signal whenever a moving object is detected in the sensing area. That signal can be monitored by a microcontroller to trigger action on a connected device like those mentioned above.
If you would prefer to use these PIR sensors on an I
2C bus, check out our Qwiic breakouts of the
170uA PIR and
1uA PIR.
Required Materials
In order to follow along with this tutorial you'll need a few items along with your PIR Breakout. First, you'll need a microcontroller or Single-Board Computer (SBC) like a Raspberry Pi or Jetson Nano to monitor the PIR's signal:
In stock
DEV-15123
The SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic is an Arduino-compatible development board with a built in Qwiic connector, eliminating the need …
20
Out of stock
DEV-15446
The 2 GB Raspberry Pi 4 features the ability to run two 4k resolution monitors, to run true Gigabit Ethernet operations, all …
4
In stock
DEV-15444
The RedBoard Artemis takes the incredibly powerful Artemis module from SparkFun and wraps it up in an easy to use and familia…
10
Out of stock
DEV-16271
The NVIDIA® Jetson Nano™ Developer Kit V3 delivers the performance to run modern AI workloads at a small form factor, low …
14
You also may need some wire and headers to connect your breakout to your microcontroller. Depending on your intended connections, you may want to use one or more of the following connection and wire options:
Out of stock
PRT-00115
Single row of 40-holes, female header. Can be cut to size with a pair of wire-cutters. Standard .1" spacing. We use them exte…
8
In stock
PRT-00116
A row of headers - break to fit. 40 pins that can be cut to any size. Used with custom PCBs or general custom headers.
20
Out of stock
PRT-09140
This is a SparkFun exclusive! These are 155mm long, 26 AWG jumper wires terminated as male to female. Use these to jumper fro…
1
Out of stock
PRT-11026
If you need to knock up a quick prototype there's nothing like having a pile of jumper wires to speed things up, and let's fa…
20
Lastly, for easier testing of the range and detection area of your PIR Breakout installation, you may want to have an LED or sound output like a buzzer to act as an indicator for when the sensor detects motion.
Recommended Tools
We recommend soldering to the PTH header on the PIR Breakouts for the best connection. If you do not have soldering tools and accessories, take a look at the following options:
In stock
TOL-14456
This adjustable-temperature soldering iron is a great tool for when you don't want to break the bank but need a reliable iron…
16
In stock
TOL-09325
This is your basic spool of lead free solder with a water soluble resin core. 0.031" gauge and 100 grams. This is a good spoo…
8
Out of stock
TOL-09163
This is your basic tube of unleaded (Pb-free) solder with a no clean, water soluble resin core. 0.031" gauge and 15 grams
4
Retired
TOL-14228
The WLC100 from Weller is a versatile 5 watt to 40 watt soldering station that is perfect for hobbyists, DIYers and students.…
2
Retired
Suggested Reading
PIR sensors are pretty straight-forward and a great entry point for novices with embedded electronics and sensors but if you aren't familiar with the concepts covered in the tutorials linked below, you may want to take a look through them before getting started with the SparkFun PIR Breakout:
What is an Arduino?
What is this 'Arduino' thing anyway? This tutorials dives into what an Arduino is and along with Arduino projects and widgets.
Logic Levels
Learn the difference between 3.3V and 5V devices and logic levels.