Motion Sensors - Optical

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
AMBA210905

AMBA210905

Panasonic

MOTION SENSOR H TYPE 5VDC 50 CM

0

AMBA2109

AMBA2109

Panasonic

MOTION SENSOR H TYPE 5VDC 80 CM

0

ZMOT0BHH0B0AG

ZMOT0BHH0B0AG

Zilog / Littelfuse

ZMOTION BUNDLE 4KB FLASH 20-SSOP

0

AMBA210903

AMBA210903

Panasonic

MOTION SENSOR H TYPE 5VDC 30 CM

0

AMBA340903

AMBA340903

Panasonic

MOTION SENSOR H TYPE 30CM

0

AMBA340211

AMBA340211

Panasonic

MOTION SENSOR H TYPE 110CM

0

AMBA345910

AMBA345910

Panasonic

MOTION SENSOR V TYPE 100CM

0

AMBA140908

AMBA140908

Panasonic

MOTION SENSOR H TYPE 8CM

0

AMBA140207

AMBA140207

Panasonic

MOTION SENSOR H TYPE 7CM

0

AMBA140907

AMBA140907

Panasonic

MOTION SENSOR H TYPE 7CM

0

AMB1402

AMB1402

Panasonic

SENSOR REFL SHORT H-TYPE W/OSC

0

AMB315914

AMB315914

Panasonic

AMB MOTION SENSOR(V TYPE/5VDC/14

0

ZSDA0254P

ZSDA0254P

Zilog / Littelfuse

ZMOTION NICERA PYRO SDA02-54-P

0

AMB210902

AMB210902

Panasonic

AMB MOTION SENSOR (H TYPE/5VDC/2

0

910-28027

910-28027

Parallax, Inc.

SENSOR MOTION PASSIVE INFARED

0

AMB340206

AMB340206

Panasonic

SENSOR REFL LONG H TYPE W/OSC

0

AMB345206

AMB345206

Panasonic

SENSOR REFL LONG V TYPE W/OSC

0

AMB340204

AMB340204

Panasonic

SENSOR REFL LONG H TYPE W/OSC

0

AMB210904

AMB210904

Panasonic

SENSOR REFL MIDDLE H-TYPE

0

AMB315915

AMB315915

Panasonic

SENSOR REFL LONG V-TYPE

0

Motion Sensors - Optical

1. Overview

Optical motion sensors detect movement through changes in light patterns, utilizing principles of optics and photonics. These sensors convert mechanical motion into electronic signals by measuring variations in light intensity, wavelength, or time-of-flight. Their importance spans across consumer electronics, industrial automation, healthcare, and automotive sectors, enabling contactless detection with high precision and reliability.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional CharacteristicsApplication Examples
Photoelectric SensorsUse light beams and receivers to detect object presence/absenceAssembly line automation, security systems
Laser Doppler Velocimeters (LDV)Measure velocity using Doppler frequency shiftsFluid dynamics research, precision machining
CMOS Image SensorsCapture 2D/3D motion data through pixel arraysSmartphone cameras, AR/VR headsets
Optical EncodersConvert mechanical motion to digital signals via coded disksRobotics, CNC machines
Fiber Optic SensorsUse light propagation changes in optical fibersAerospace structural monitoring, seismic detection

3. Structure and Components

Typical optical motion sensors consist of:

  • Light Source: LEDs, lasers, or VCSELs emitting specific wavelengths (650-950nm range)
  • Optical Elements: Lenses, diffraction gratings, or fiber guides for beam shaping
  • Detector Array: PIN photodiodes, avalanche photodiodes, or CMOS image sensors
  • Signal Processor: ASICs for time-of-flight calculations or pattern recognition
  • Interface Circuitry: Analog-to-digital converters and communication protocols (I2C, SPI)

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterDescriptionImportance
ResolutionMinimum detectable displacement ( m to nm range)Determines measurement precision
Response TimeSignal processing speed ( s to ms)Critical for real-time applications
Wavelength RangeOperational spectrum (visible: 400-700nm, IR: 700-1600nm)Affects material interaction and accuracy
Signal-to-Noise RatioMeasurement stability (50-120dB typical)Impacts reliability in dynamic environments
Field of ViewDetection angle range (15 -180 )Defines spatial coverage area

5. Application Fields

Major industries include:

  • Consumer Electronics: Smartphone gesture control, gaming consoles
  • Industrial Automation: Robotic arm positioning, conveyor belt monitoring
  • Healthcare: Motion analysis systems, prosthetic limb control
  • Automotive: ADAS collision avoidance, driver monitoring systems
  • Scientific Research: Particle tracking, vibration analysis

Typical devices: Optical mice use 2D CMOS sensors (20-50 ips tracking speed), LiDAR systems employ 905nm pulsed lasers for 3D mapping.

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerProduct SeriesKey Specifications
TI (Texas Instruments)OPT310116-bit depth sensing, 100ksps sampling rate
STMicroelectronicsVL53L5CXMulti-zone LiDAR, 60 FoV, 10m range
KeyenceLKG5000 Series0.01 m resolution, 50kHz sampling
OmronB5W-LB SeriesInfrared proximity detection, 10ms response
ams AGTMF8801940nm proximity sensor, 5% distance accuracy

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

  • Detection Range vs. Resolution Trade-off
  • Environmental factors (ambient light, temperature)
  • Power consumption requirements (especially for IoT devices)
  • Optical crosstalk prevention in multi-sensor systems
  • Mounting constraints (through-hole vs. surface-mount packages)

For outdoor applications, select sensors with IR filtering and temperature compensation. In medical devices, prioritize biocompatible packaging and EMI resistance.

8. Industry Trends

Emerging developments include:

  • Miniaturization through MEMS integration (sub-1mm sensors)
  • AI-enhanced motion prediction algorithms
  • Multi-spectral sensing combining visible/NIR/SWIR ranges
  • Wireless sensor networks with embedded edge computing
  • Quantum dot-based single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs)

Market growth driven by AR/VR demand (CAGR 18.7% 2023-2030) and industrial IoT adoption.

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