PROJECT REPORT
IR BASED SECURITY ALARM CIRCUIT
PROJECT TEAM
MUHAMMAD AHMED HADEED
2023368-FEE
MEHDI ABBAS
2023310-FEE
ABDULLAH AZHAR
2023036-FEE
IR-Based Security Alarm Circuit
We aim to design a project that detects movement and triggers an alarm using an
IR sensor. This circuit is highly effective in homes, banks, shops, and restricted
areas, where an alert system is necessary to detect unauthorized movement. The
circuit uses an IR LED and photodiode to monitor a beam of infrared light, which,
when interrupted, activates an alarm. It is a cost-effective, efficient, and practical
project with broad applications in security systems.
Keywords — IR sensor, IR LED, Photodiode, Voltage Comparator, 555 Timer, Security
Alarm
I. INTRODUCTION
Manual security measures often fail to provide adequate real-time alerts. This *IR-
Based Security Alarm Circuit* automates movement detection using infrared (IR)
technology, ensuring reliable and prompt responses. The system utilizes basic
circuit components like IR LEDs, photodiodes, and operational amplifiers to create a
simple yet robust alarm system.
The IR sensor operates by projecting an IR beam onto a photodiode. When the
beam is interrupted by movement, the photodiode signals a comparator, which
triggers a 555 timer IC to activate the alarm. This innovative system provides
invisible security measures, improving traditional, visible systems like laser-based
alarms.
II. SCHEMATIC DESIGN
Circuit Description:
1. IR Sensor: The IR LED emits infrared radiation that the photodiode continuously
detects. Any interruption in the beam alters the photodiode's current, triggering a
voltage change.
2. Voltage Comparator: An op-amp (e.g., LM358) compares the photodiode’s
voltage output with a reference voltage. When movement interrupts the beam, the
comparator outputs a signal.
3. 555 Timer: Configured in monostable mode, the timer activates a buzzer when
triggered by the comparator.
4. Buzzer: Provides an audible alert when movement is detected.
Circuit Diagram:
- The diagram includes the IR sensor (LED and photodiode), LM358 op-amp, 555
timer IC, resistors, capacitors, and a buzzer.
- Key Calculation:
Timer Duration: \( T = 1.1 \times R \times C \), where \( R \) and \( C \) are the
resistor and capacitor in the RC network of the 555 timer.
III. METHODOLOGY
Materials Used:
- IR Pair : IR LED and photodiode
- 555 Timer IC
- LM358 Op-Amp
- Resistors : 100Ω, 10kΩ, 100kΩ, 330Ω, 220Ω
- Capacitors : 10µF
- Variable Resistor : 10kΩ
- Buzzer
Steps:
1. Design: Align the IR LED and photodiode to ensure a clear path for the infrared
beam.
2. Implementation: Assemble the circuit on a breadboard, connecting the IR sensor,
LM358, 555 timer, and buzzer.
3. Testing: Test the alarm response by interrupting the IR beam with various objects
to observe changes in the buzzer's activation.
Notes:
- The range of the IR LED can be extended using a lens.
- A relay can replace the buzzer for activating larger AC alarms.
- Adjust the variable resistor to fine-tune sensitivity.
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Results:
Testing yielded the following results:
| Test Case | Expected Outcome | Actual Outcome |
|----------------------|--------------------------|-------------------------|
| Beam uninterrupted | No alarm triggered | No alarm triggered |
| Beam interrupted | Alarm activated briefly | Alarm activated briefly |
Discussion:
The circuit reliably detected movement and activated the alarm. Adjusting the RC
values of the 555 timer altered the alarm duration. Challenges included proper
alignment of the IR LED and photodiode and minimizing noise interference, resolved
by shielding and precise calibration.
V. CONCLUSION
This project demonstrates a cost-effective and efficient method for movement
detection using IR sensors. It automates security measures, reducing human effort
while ensuring reliable alerts. Future enhancements could include increasing the
sensor range or integrating wireless modules for remote alerts.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We express our gratitude to the resources and guidance provided by "Electronic
Devices and Circuit Theory" and different YouTube channels for their IR-based
circuit designs.
REFERENCES
[1] “Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory” by Robert L. Boylestad and Louis
Nashelsky.
[2] “Academics Studio YouTube Channel”.
