Make Sense of Our Proximity Sensor

The challenge

The world is constantly moving and with the proximity sensor we can detect this motion. What makes this sensor special is its ability to differentiate motion based on variations in temperature. Some common applications are home automation, like smart thermostats, robot vacuums, home appliances, etc. In a nutshell, any application where you would want to sense human motion would be a great place to incorporate the proximity sensor. How would you use the proximity sensor? Get your creative juices flowing and share your best ideas. Build your best application idea and submit to win!

Hardware Description

KEMET’s Pyroelectric Infrared Sensors use the pyroelectric effect of ceramic by absorbing infrared rays emitted from the human body. This detects the natural infrared signature produced by humans. Also, it can detect infrared rays without using lenses.

Due to the absence of a lens, KEMET’s Pyro Sensor is low profile, as it does not protrude, which makes it ideal forgathering visual requirements. With KEMET’s proprietary piezoelectric ceramic material and element structure of the Pyroelectric Infrared Sensor, humans can be detected through resin. This allows more freedom in the design of the outer appearance of the end product.

By adding a KEMET proprietary lens the detection distance can be further improved. Three different color lenses also enable some design flexibility. The sensors now packaged in our module solution are even easier to install and the driving being already included in the package, makes it really just “plug and sense."

Benefits

• Equipped with AMP circuit and comparator circuit
• Digital output
• Available with or without lens
• Flat top surface of the lens
• Microcomputer installed
• Connector mounting
• Excellent radio wave performance in high-frequency band
• Compact (15.00 x 15.00 x 5.65 mm)

Performance Characteristics

Dimensions

Criteria To Remember (in addition to those listed in the rules):

• Must use at least 1 proximity sensor. This will be provided to you by KEMET (SS-430L-N, Neutral Lens)
• Any powering method can be used
• Must be connected (WiFi, Bluetooth, etc)
• Must have multiple KEMET components (the more the better!)
• Must provide proof of motion being detected with the pyroelectric sensor (visual or audio cue)
• Layout efficiency will be judged.

Example Ideas:

Home Automation, Industrial automation, etc. Be creative and let your imagination run free!

Prizes

1st Place

Win $3000 and an all-inclusive trip to KEMET headquarters in Ft Lauderdale, Florida to collaborate with our engineers and project managers

1 winner

Electronic Visa Gift Card & Trip to Florida

-

$5,000 value

2nd Place

Win $2000 and an all-inclusive trip to KEMET headquarters in Ft Lauderdale, Florida to collaborate with our engineers and project managers

1 winner

Electronic Visa Gift Card & Trip to Florida

-

$4,000 value

3rd Place

4 winners

Electronic Visa Gift Card (prize value in US dollars)

-

$1,000 value

Avnet Field Application Engineer Grand Prize

Are you an Avnet employee Field Application Engineer? Enter to win an all expenses paid trip to Japan to visit KEMETs manufacturing facilities, warehouses, meet with product managers and more!

1 winner

Trip to Japan

-

$4,000 value

Runner Ups

10 winners

Electronic Visa Gift Card (prize value in US dollars)

-

$100 value

Judges

Wilmer graduated from the University of Florida and has 14 years of experience in the electronics industry working in design, sales, and marketing. His goal is to bring a sense of fun and levity to technical content while still maintaining scientific and technological accuracy. A survivor of Motorola and Blackberry (not his fault), Wilmer leads the KEMET Technical Marketing team which combines his passion for science and technology with communication and presentation.

Nick's passion and sound technical understanding of the electronics industry has been shaped and developed during his time at KEMET Electronics. Equipped with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Nick is now spearheading global collaboration with stakeholders of the KEMET Corporation. His role as a Technical Marketing Engineer has played a pivotal role in curating the right skills and expertise to communicate effectively with Product Managers, Field Application Engineers and channel partners to drive activities that support growth and expansion for KEMET.

William earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Florida in 2011 - Go Gators! William is an experieced engineer with more than 10 years experience in board design, digital signal communications, and power design. William joined KEMET a year ago and has made several engineering related videos and is incharge of the KEMET Application Intelligence Center, located in Ft Lauderdale, FL. William's focus is on application usage with KEMET parts, rather than just looking at the part on its own.

Resources

About us

KEMET Corporation is a leading global supplier of electronic components. We offer our customers the broadest selection of capacitor technologies in the industry, along with an expanding range of electromagnetic compatibility solutions and supercapacitors. Our vision is to be the preferred supplier of electronic component solutions for customer demanding the highest standards of quality, delivery, and service. KEMET’s corporate headquarters are in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; the company also operates manufacturing facilities, sales and distribution centers around the world. KEMET’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “KEM.” Additional information about KEMET can be found at www.kemet.com.