Key Technology Overview
Passive Infrared (PIR) Occupancy Detection
All PIR is not Created Equal…
• Sensors are fine-tuned at the factory for optimum detection
for its coverage pattern – no PIR sensitivity adjustments
required
• Excellent small motion detection even at great distances
and in unconditioned environments
• Any sensor can detect a person in a warehouse in
Minnesota in January…but be wary of using another brand
in a warehouse in Arizona in July.
Passive Infrared (PIR) Occupancy Detection
100% Digital PIR Detection
• Provides best immunity from RF (RF interference can
false trip some competitor’s PIR sensors )
• Quicker Initial Power-up
• Utilized on all WSX, CM(R), RM(R), CM(R)B, SB(R), SFR,
WV models today
Microphonics Occupancy Detection (patented)
What Is Microphonics?
• Detection technology using a microphone inside of the sensor
to hear sounds indicating occupancy
• Common applications are rooms with obstructions, such as
bathrooms with stalls or open office cubicle areas
• Never used by itself, Microphonics is always coupled with PIR
• Referred to as having Passive Dual Technology (PDT), occupant
motion must initially be seen by the PIR to turn the lights on,
after which occupants can either be seen (via PIR) or heard (via
Microphonics) for the lights to remain on
Microphonics Occupancy Detection (patented)
How Is Microphonics Different Than Ultrasonic Technology?
• Better & more reliable detection
─ No false ons from common
building motion
─ Detecting both sound and motion
results in better occupant
detection than sensors that use
two technologies to only detect
motion (and thus no false offs).
• Requires less power
• Acoustically Passive - sensors
transmit no sound waves, thus
eliminating all potential for
interference (see following slide)
Microphonics Occupancy Detection (patented)
Ultrasonic Technology is not Acoustically Passive
Distance from Sensor (ft)
Ultrasonic Occupancy Sensors
Ultrasonic Rodent Repellent Device
Microphonics Occupancy Detection (patented)
How does Microphonics work in a noisy environment?
• Only detects leading edge noises typical of human activity (e.g., talking, typing,
rustling papers, etc.)
• Filters out building noises (e.g., HVAC rumbles or air currents).
• Automatic gain control (AGC) techniques are used to dynamically self-adapt a
sensor to its environment by filtering out constant background noise.
Microphonics Occupancy Detection (patented)
Additional Microphonic Intelligence
• Advanced digital acoustic filtering prevents the prolonged presence of varying
noises without any PIR events, such as leaving a television or radio on, from
keeping the lights on.
• Sounds with periodicity, such as consistent clicks from a clock, are also filtered out
• Microphone “observes” retrips caused by spikes of electrical noise on the line
right after a load is switched off and “locks them out”
• Microphone knows the sound of its own relay switching and filters it out
• Microphone is left on for 10 sec after lights are turned off to allow for voice
reactivation
Microphonics Occupancy Detection (patented)
You can’t
turn your
back on
our
sensors
Microphonics Occupancy Detection (patented)
You can’t hide
in the
bathroom
either!
Energy Savings
Comparison On Times - Sensor Switch vs. Competition
Example 1
• Occupied Time: 10 Minutes
• Occupancy Sensor Time Delay:
— Typical Sensor Brands: 20 min (default)
— Sensor Switch: 10 min (default)
• Total On Time of Lamps:
— Typical Sensor Brands: 30 min
— Sensor Switch: 20 min
Extra 33% Savings!
LampMaximizer® Technology
What is the LampMaximizer®?
Patented sensor intelligence that enables users to aggressively target energy savings
while still protecting lamp life.
LampMaximizer (Minimum On Time)
• Sensors utilize two timers instead of just one
1. Minimum On Timer (15 min default) – preserves lamp life by eliminating all lamp
cycles shorter than lamp manufacturers recommendations.
2. Standard occupancy time delay (10 min default) – lower time delay increases
energy savings
• Both timers are user adjustable via push-button
Test mode
Enables convenient and quick operational testing
—Disables minimum on timer
—Sets Occupancy Time Delay to 30 sec
—Reduces photocell transition periods to < 5 sec
—Speeds up dimming rates to maximum
—Sensor will revert to normal operation if left for 10 minutes
Energy Savings w/ LampMaximizer® Technology
Comparison On Times - Sensor Switch vs. Competition
Example 2
• Occupied Time: 2 Minutes
• Occupancy Sensor
Time Delay:
— Typical Sensor Brands: 20 min
— Sensor Switch: 10 min
• Minimum On Timer:
― 15 min (in this case it holds lights on
for additional 3 min)
Still Provides 32% Savings!
LampMaximizer® Technology
Competitive Conclusions
Conclusions…
•
While all brand sensors meet lamp manufactures
recommended on times, only Sensor Switch units do so
without wasting potential energy savings
•
Only Sensor Switch trusts its detection technologies to
utilize a 10 min occupancy time delay without the risk of
increasing false offs
© 2013 Sensor Switch