Wired intruder alarms

	The RK110W from China’s Roiscok is a microprocessor-based wireless dual-PIR dectector with a 10m range.

R&D plans are moving rapidly to keep pace with advancements in home networking & automation.

China’s intruder detectors industry, continues to grow at a fast pace as more suppliers venture into the consumer DIY and home improvement segments. Propelled by heightened awareness over security, infrared or IR, dual-technology and microwave detectors have penetrated more than 70 percent of these sectors in certain markets within Europe and North America.

Moreover, advancements in home automation are facilitating the integration of intrusion detection devices into centralized systems for HVAC or building management.

China suppliers are also targeting the DIY and SOHO setups for practical reasons. The majority of makers are small and midsize and therefore do not have the capability to take on large projects and maintenance work required in commercial installations.

The country’s selection of intruder detectors comprises mainly low-end and midrange products although some models belong to the high end. Companies offer active IR, PIR, dual-technology compound, vibration, glass break and laser detectors. PIR models are the most popular.

Mainstream single-PIR detectors or those with one IR sensor, have the lowest price at $2 to $5. Dual-PIR models are between $3 and $6 each, while quaternion-PIR units go for $10 to $15.

Basic electronic or mechanical door detectors are $2 to $4. Dual-technology models, specifically microwave/PIR designs, are from $3 to $7.

Quotes for active IR types depend on the number of sets and IR beams. Triple-technology detectors are naturally more expensive.

Makers are developing dual- and triple-technology compound detectors under efforts to improve product accuracy and reduce false alarm rates.

The first type supports two sensors with completely different technologies. Under this solution, the system produces alarm signals only when the sensors detect intrusion simultaneously. The common models currently available in the market are microwave/PIR, IR/air pressure and audio/air pressure.

Triple-technology compound detectors feature a microprocessor integrated into the dual-mode system.

Roiscok Electronics Ltd has released the model RK110W wireless PIR detector with dual technology and a built-in microprocessor. Designed specifically for upscale residential units, the product works best with the model RK248EW8 wireless receiver.

Shenzhen Meian Technology Co. Ltd also offers dual- and triple-technology detectors. Units support PIR/microwave and PIR/microwave/microprocessor configurations.

Suppliers interviewed for this update said a fourth technology may soon be added that will further improve reliability.

To strengthen their presence in the DIY and home repair segments, several companies are planning to boost production of wireless models this year, leveraging their price advantage to stay competitive.

Safety Electronic Technology (HK) Co. Ltd has released the model SFL-812 wireless PIR detector that transmits up to 200m on 315 or 433MHz. It has an ASIC anti-RFI/EMI function and adjustable detection distance.

To lower power consumption, Shenzhen Jianing Star Electronic Co. Ltd incorporated PV panels into products. Its series of wireless solar-powered active IR detectors, which includes 4 and 8-beam and swimming pool models, operates on 315 and 433MHz frequencies. The transmission coverage is 1km and the detection range is from 10 to 300m.

Models can work up to two months without recharging. The bundled software has intelligent features that prevent false alarms caused by falling leaves, small animals and light interference.

China makers will also channel R&D efforts into housing design, product customization, low-cost units and a new generation of intelligent detectors.

Sunwave Electronics Co. Ltd, for example, is developing direction-analysis PIR detectors and plans to release models in the next 12 months.

Local research institutions, meanwhile, are studying video motion analysis, a technology found in some recent releases.

China has more than 150 suppliers of intruder detectors, of which 90 percent have small operations with an average monthly capacity below 10,000 units.

Midsize companies have a capacity of 20,000 to 80,000 units per year, while large factories can turn out more than 100,000 models.

The latter have strong R&D and manufacturing capability, conducting mold making and plastic injection in-house on top of the other key processes.

Longhorn, Shenzhen Meian and Sunwave are among the top domestic brands.

Midsize makers also handle the major steps in their factories, although most subcontract plastic injection, mold manufacture and SMT.

Small suppliers, meanwhile, focus on assembly.

The industry has a total output of about 20 million detectors per year. Its total capacity, however, is said to be 10 times more than the current production volume.

The majority of manufacturers export nearly 50 percent of turnout. Products are shipped mostly under OEM or ODM contracts to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South America and Africa.

Shenzhen in Guangdong province is the primary manufacturing base, hosting 80 percent of all companies. The rest are located in Zhejiang and Fujian provinces.