Certain crystals have polarized electrons which causes an internal static current to flow through them. If such a crystal is used in any electronic circuit, it will generate electricity and the readings can be recorded by the ammeter. Due to this sole feature, pyroelectric crystals are used for various purposes, one of them being in detection sensors.
With the inclusion of the pyroelectricity concept, a sensor can easily sense the optical radiations within a certain wavelength range and give the corresponding analog output. However, these analog sensors have become obsolete in the present era.
As analog signals are easily distorted and consist of several complications in terms of reading, sensors are nowadays designed to provide a digital output. One such sensor is the quad element digipyro.
What is the quad element sensor from Digipyro?
It is an optical sensor that is made from pyroelectric elements. This is why the output data is based on the crystal’s internal temperature, which makes it easier for reading the data.
Coming to the description, the sensor has four circuit elements connected in a series combination. These elements convert the input analog waves from the surroundings into a digital data stream. Fourteen bits are present in the output digital signal which comes from the four sensors connected in series.
There is also a built-in diode sensor that is temperature-sensitive. It will give the output data by comparing it with the internal crystal temperature. As a result, the output obtained at the node contains a digital data stream of 28 bits- 14 bits from the four series elements and 14 bits from the diode.
Construction and circuit elements
The main integrated circuit is located within the T-housing section. Only the VDD and VSS ports are located outside the housing circuit along with the output node for the digital data.
Coming to the main construction, four sensors are present in the circuit in series formation. All four sensor groups are connected to the ASIC block in parallel connection. Output and the other two voltage nodes are connected to the ASIC block.
An optical filter is also present which will block all the unnecessary radiation. It will only allow those wavelengths to enter the Housing circuit which is compatible with the pyro sensors.
Digipyro Quad element features
The salient features of the quad element digipyro are:
· Can be connected to a circuit for advanced motion and optical detections
· Has a field of view angle of 148°, which is indeed amazing for the quad sensor
· Dual sensor blocks are present which provides double 14-bit digital output in a single data stream
· TO-5 Housing system is used for covering the sensor circuit and also to make it immune to the electromagnetic waves
· The pyroelectric crystal used in the sensor is of high quality and is made from ceramic material
In what fields can the Digipyro quad element sensor be used?
Usually, the quad element digipyro is used in motion and optical detection circuits like the intrusion alarms which can immediately sense if anyone is trying to invade an area or in ceiling-mounted appliances like fans.
Conclusion
The Digipyro quad element is one of the best-integrated circuit sensors which can be used in many appliance circuits, both electrical and electronics. Moreover, since digital data is given as the output, chances of errors in the bit sequence are reduced to almost zero which will provide accurate results.
