What are Motion Sensors?

Meet the Sensor: Motion Sensors

Motion sensors are integrated into electronic devices to detect movement within a specified area. Within a connected system, these sensors can activate an alert or initiate a task sequence in response to that motion. They are widely used in industrial equipment, smart lighting equipment, home or building controls, videogame equipment, and security systems.

There are several different types of motion sensors.

Passive Infrared (PIR) motion sensors detect body heat (infrared radiation). This type of motion sensors is the most commonly specified for connected systems such as home security and lighting. PIR is the default for most consumer-grade connected motion-sensing applications due to a balance of cost, performance, and simplicity. PIR sensors are low-cost, reliable, have low power consumption, and feature easy integration with Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth devices.

Ultrasonic motion sensors emit high-frequency sound waves and measures their reflection to detect motion. This type of sensor is good for subtle or small movements. Other motion sensors include microwave sensors, which are similar to ultrasonic but use microwave pulses to penetrate walls and objects, offering wider coverage. Ultrasonic and microwave sensors are specified when greater sensitivity or range is needed. Dual technology sensors combine PIR and microwave or ultrasonic to reduce false alarms.

Tomographic sensors use a mesh network of radio waves between nodes; they can detect motion through walls and obstructions.

Vibration sensors (accelerometers) sense movement or vibration of an object or surface; these motion sensors are used in mobile devices and smart wearables.

Video-based (computer vision) sensors use cameras and software to detect motion by analyzing image changes; they are often used in surveillance.

Capacitive/Proximity sensors detect changes in electrical fields caused by nearby objects; these sensors are used in touchscreens and some smart lighting systems.

Würth Elektronik’s compact MEMS-based sensors with a 3-axis accelerometer and integrated gyroscope is used for applications that require free-fall, wake-up, tap, activity, motion, tilt and orientation detection. The 2.5 x 3.0 x 0.86 mm sensor in an LGA package provides digital I²C and SPI interfaces as well as a FIFO buffer for storing output data. Applications range from localization and navigation solutions to automation, industrial equipment, IoT devices, robots, and drones.

Design Notes

Standards

Motion sensors are not fully standardized as standalone components, but they often conform to industry-specific standards related to safety, performance, and interoperability.

Connectorization

Many motion sensors are connected to circuits with simple three-wire connections, although connectors are often utilized. Connectors used with motion sensors include JST connectors, screw terminals, wire terminals, and occasionally plugs.

ATTEND’s M8 A-Code Circular Connectors are engineered for seamless integration with motion sensors in industrial automation systems. Offered in 3-, 4-, 5-, and 8-pin configurations, the series includes both male and female interfaces in straight and right-angle variants, with options for field-installable, panel-mount, and solder-type terminations. Designed to support signal and low-power transmission, these connectors are well-suited for proximity sensors, encoders, and compact actuators.

Markets and Applications

Consumer, Industrial, Military and Aerospace

Motion sensors are used in a wide variety of applications, including security systems, industrial automation, vehicle sensing systems, and gaming equipment.

TE Connectivity (TE)’s LUMAWISE Motion Sensor is designed for streetlighting. Enabling energy savings from dimming the luminaire to 20% brightness, while still being able to react to motion and bringing the luminaire to full brightness for safety and security reasons.

Suppliers

Motion sensors and related interconnects are available from suppliers including Attend, Arrow, DigiKey Electronics, Heilind, Mouser Electronics, Kensington Connectors, Powell Electronics, RS, Sager Electronics, TTI Inc., TE Connectivity, and Wurth Elektronik.

Related products

Proximity sensors

To learn more about the companies mentioned in this article, visit the Preferred Supplier pages for Attend, Arrow, DigiKey Electronics, Heilind, Mouser Electronics, Kensington Connectors, Powell Electronics, RS, Sager Electronics, TTI Inc., TE Connectivity, and Wurth Elektronik.

Like this article? Check out our other Meet the Connector and Connector Basics articles, our Military and Aerospace Market Page, and our 2025 Article Archives. 

Subscribe to our weekly e-newsletters, follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, and check out our eBook archives for more applicable, expert-informed connectivity content.