Makers of intruder detectors are emphasizing reliability enhancements these days, accordingtoGlobal Sources (News - Alert), an industry journal. “A growing number of companies are adopting better signal processors and more powerful MCUs and ASICs to strengthen device intelligence and reduce interference.”

Infrared optics and microwave continue to be the dominant detection methods, it finds, adding that most manufacturers have mastered both technologies, “but invest in development work nonetheless to uplift quality and competitiveness.” R&D, it finds, “is moving toward multisensors or hybrid detection techniques, intelligent signal processing, dynamic environment compensation and optical path optimization.”

The more highly integrated designs are aimed at home and DIY users. The majority of units, Global Sources says, “have a compact form factor yet boast an all-in-one solution, including the PIR sensor, host controller, horn and other necessary devices such as a GSM autodialer. A plug-and-play option simplifies installation and debugging.” Some suppliers have developed products with built-in cameras for video recording and remote surveillance.

Besides small and compact designs, housings are made to blend in with the environment. A number of suppliers have added black and silver variants to depart from the traditional white casings.

Global Sources’ report finds that “the PIR sensor remains the best-selling intruder detector from China. Other types include hybrid models, microwave barriers and photo-beam detectors.” Besides increasing reliability, development initiatives in the first line center on providing anti-blocking and pet immunity, and expanded coverage.

Digital pulse technology improves detection sensitivity, and it’s widely used in midrange and high-end releases: “Dual-element sensors that recognize real movement signals while rejecting interference and random noise such as thermal change are also becoming popular.”

The bulk of mainstream units in this category are equipped with an automatic temperature compensation system that adjusts detection sensitivity accordingly, according to Global Sources. Some upscale releases “support a more advanced version of this technology, offering smoother adaptation to thermal changes and better responsiveness and dependability.”