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Smart Sensing in Our Wireless World

Smart Sensing in Home Security

WE MATTER | WE CONNECT – Smart Sensing in Home Security

If there are particular areas you need help with, feel free to skip to any of the following sections:
Smart Sensing Bring Home Security Features Alive
The Evolution of Sensors in the Security Market
Connected Homes, Strong Engineering, and Smart Components
Types of Smart Sensing Solutions
Why Magnetic Sensors?
Conclusion
Additional Resources

Smart Sensing Bring Home Security Features Alive

The advent of “smart” technology with integrated wireless features has grown tremendously. In fact, smart sensing products now serve purposes in homes, cars, appliances, and much more. Furthermore, companies and the market continue to grow their interest in smart technology features, and products that are connected. Moreover, the new rise of the “Internet of Things” has sped up demand for smart components to enable such performance.

For example, smartphones and handhelds have seen vast growth recently, with an equally occurring shift in home security systems. So, modern security systems that can be remotely accessed and controlled from mobile devices are steadily replacing basic ones. In other words, modern homes rely heavily on smart magnetic sensors and other components to generate and relay messages.

The Evolution of Sensors in the Security Market

“WE HELP SECURE”

First, traditional security sensors were hard-wired to a central control panel. Second, analog sensors mainly detected fire or intrusion only, triggering a “normal” or “alarm” status. For example, a reed sensor and magnet typically mounted to doors and windows detected possible entry points. Then, opening the door or window caused the magnet and switch to lose contact, changing the sensor state from “normal” to “alarm”.

Additionally, fire and smoke alarms used optical, ionization, and temperature sensors. Magnetic reed switches were the basis in the “push to test” and proximity sensors.

These analog sensors reported the alarm status from the control panel to either a central security station or a local dispatch. In summary, technological growth has led to new and dramatic changes in sensor technology and Smart Home systems.

Smart Sensing in Home Security

Connected Homes, Strong Engineering, and Smart Components

“WE CONNECT – Giving consumers control, the market value, and providing components that matter”

One of the greatest changes to home security systems has been the arrival of remote monitoring and mobile access control. A few examples of remote sensing nowadays include HVAC overflow, power, water, door locking, and real-time webcam monitoring.

Most importantly, homeowners can now remotely access and control home systems directly from their smartphone. For example, homeowners can change the thermostat, check if closed doors are locked or even lock them. Other controls include changing window shade position, turn lights on and off, and opening or closing garage doors. In other words, smart sensors transformed home security by giving consumers electronic access and control.

Types of Smart Sensing Solutions

Other key additions in home security systems include monitoring and controlling sump pump levels and primary power usage. Nearly all new home appliances have some level of smart features requiring magnetic technology. Types of smart sensing solutions which are magnetically based include Reed switches, Hall Effect sensors, and current transformers.

Condensate pump overflow sensor

Moreover, float type liquid level sensors may also use reed or electromechanical switches, or conductive technology. Although these applications are new, the core magnetic sensing element in smart homes is not. Electronic component companies like Standex Electronics have been perfecting magnetic switching and sensing technologies for decades.

In summary, intrusion and fire sensors still largely function like they have in past decades. Conversely, most sensors today are wireless, battery powered, more reliable and easier to install. Now let’s explore why magnetic sensors make sense in smart home devices. The next section details magnetic sensors and what make each type unique.

Smart Sensing - reed sensors

Why Magnetic Sensors?

Magnetic sensors have some unique features that are very useful in household security applications. Reed switches and Hall sensors are capable of switching millions of fault-free cycles. Similarly, both types sense the magnetic field generated by permanent magnets, which are relatively inexpensive. Additionally, Reed switches achieve higher open circuit breakdown voltages, increasing their reliability against lightning strikes. Furthermore, if configured properly, reed switch sensors draw no power until an alarm occurs. And since alarm signals are typically short, very little power is consumed with Reed switches. All wireless magnetic sensors will draw some power. 

Learn more about Magnetic Sensing Technologies in our Reed switches vs. Hall effect switches write-up.

Conclusion

In conclusion, new demands in home security systems have led to the increased use of magnetic sensors for smart sensing. Standex Electronics is a global expert in magnetic switching and sensing technologies. Our expertise in magnetic sensing and custom packaging allows us to be a one-stop-shop for your sensing needs!

Find out more about our ability to design and deliver custom smart sensor solutions for your design needs.

Additional Resources

Magnetic Sensing Technologies

 

 

 

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