PIR Motion Sensor
Passive infrared motion detector for security and occupancy projects.
AI Ready Overview
Quick Summary
PIR Sensor is a motion sensor commonly used in FYP and embedded projects. It is best for motion alarms and room occupancy, with wiring and testing planned around Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi.
Difficulty
Beginner
Time Required
1-3 days for basic wiring and sample code; 1 week if used inside a complete FYP prototype
Cost
RM4-RM12 module range in Malaysia; full project cost depends on scope.
Components
PIR Sensor, Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi
Overview
What is PIR Sensor?
PIR sensors detect motion from warm bodies and are common in alarm, lighting and occupancy monitoring FYP projects.
Engineering Reference
Quick Specs
| Operating Voltage | 5V / 3.3V module variants |
|---|---|
| Interface | Digital GPIO |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Typical Malaysia Price | RM4-RM12 |
| Best For | Motion alarms, Room occupancy |
Real Usage Notes
Suitable / Not Suitable
Suitable for
- ✓ Motion alarms
- ✓ Room occupancy
- ✓ Automatic lighting
Not suitable for
- ✕ Counting exact people
- ✕ Detecting stationary humans
- ✕ Outdoor rain exposure without enclosure
Build Planning
Difficulty
PIR Sensor is rated Beginner. Plan around 1-3 days for basic wiring and sample code; 1 week if used inside a complete fyp prototypedepending on wiring, libraries, calibration, dashboard/app integration and testing evidence.
Build Planning
Time Required
1-3 days for basic wiring and sample code; 1 week if used inside a complete FYP prototype
Malaysia Price Guidance
Cost
Typical module price range: RM4-RM12. This is component guidance only; a complete FYP cost depends on controller, sensors, casing, display, app/dashboard, documentation and timeline.
Connections
Connection overview
Power
Use only a supply supported by the exact board or module variant. Common listings for this part mention 5V or 3.3V module variants.
Ground
Connect a common ground between the controller, module and any external supply.
Primary interface
Plan for Digital GPIO; confirm the exact terminal names in the manufacturer documentation.
Variant-specific connections
Connector names and optional pins can differ between breakout-board revisions.
Platform Notes
Wiring Guides
PIR Sensor with Arduino / ESP32
This is a planning overview, not a board-specific pin map. Confirm the exact module revision, supply limits and Digital GPIO terminals in its datasheet before wiring. Use suitable level shifting when logic voltages differ.
| Power | Confirm against the exact board; listed variants commonly use 5V / 3.3V module variants |
|---|---|
| Ground | Common ground with the controller |
| Interface | Digital GPIO (exact pins vary by module) |
Fix Common Problems
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Common Mistakes
FYP Ideas Using PIR Sensor
Related Projects
Compare Options
Alternative Components
Student Questions
FAQ
Is PIR Sensor good for FYP projects?
Yes, PIR Sensor is suitable for FYP work when the project matches its limits: Motion alarms and Room occupancy.
What is the most common PIR Sensor mistake?
Expecting it to detect stationary people