0
\$\begingroup\$

First off this is very similar to what I need to do How to amplify 3.3 volts to 8-9v?

I have a 12v power source PIR and 12v led strip lights, This is the specs for the PIR. I want to cut the leds into 6 leds per strip and put them in the middle of my stairs, So i was going to run 1 wire the length of the staircase and the just attach every led strip (from each step) to that, I also have LDR that I could add to keep the light off in the day or I could just use a switch

Probe LHI778, high sensitivity. Technical parameters: 1.Operating voltage: DC5V to 20V 2.Static power consumption: 65 microamps 3.Level output: 3.3V, low 0V

Any help would be great Thanks

\$\endgroup\$
4
  • \$\begingroup\$ What is the total current needed to run the LED strips? \$\endgroup\$
    – JIm Dearden
    Commented Dec 4, 2013 at 18:33
  • \$\begingroup\$ Smd 3528 Non water proof, Working Current - 0.35-0.4/meter Working Voltage - 12v dc, 300 leds per 5 meters, Output Power - 20-24w/meter , I am using 6 led per step x 13 steps (= 10 cm per strip) so 1.3m total length of led strip lights \$\endgroup\$
    – Ridach
    Commented Dec 4, 2013 at 19:48
  • \$\begingroup\$ Unless I am missing something, I would suspect the output of the PIR sensor sufficient to drive a field effect transistor switching the lights. I would think an issue of concern would be retriggering and ensuring the lights stay on for a predetermined period of time. \$\endgroup\$
    – mikeY
    Commented Dec 4, 2013 at 19:59
  • \$\begingroup\$ I did this using the 9v set up and it seems to work , no problem with time on , i just want to make sure nothing will get wrecked if i used 12v instead of the 9v or would I need some other components also would like to add ldr \$\endgroup\$
    – Ridach
    Commented Dec 4, 2013 at 20:14

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
\$\begingroup\$

The question you linked to had a 3~6v PIR. Your's has a 2-12v PIR sensor, and I'm assuming an onboard power regulator if it can take up to 20v (you don't provide the PIR module part number or datasheet), so the resistor voltage divider is not necessary.

You are using a typically 18~20mA per 3 led section, 2 sections per step, 13 steps, that is 0.52A (0.02A * 2 * 13). Add 20% to be on the safe side, you need ~0.6A or greater 12v power supply, with a transistor that can handle 0.52A. The 2n3904 transistor in the question you linked to is too small for that. A 2n2222 is a 1 Amp NPN transistor, and should work fine (you might want to add a heatsink just to be on the safe side). Hookup would be the same.

Not knowing your PIR module, but knowing the transistor needed (2n2222), and the current it needs to carry (0.52A), it will have a hfe, or gain, of ~40. The input current will need to be atleast 1/40th of the 0.52A. I used 0.55A.

0.55 / 40 = ~0.014A (14mA). PIR Output is 3.3v, and the transistor's diode drop is 0.7v (standard). (3.3v - 0.7v) / 0.014 = ~185. You need a 185Ω resistor, or close to it. 160Ω, 180Ω, and 200Ω are close enough standard resistor values.

\$\endgroup\$
2
  • \$\begingroup\$ this is the PIR info I have - Probe LHI778, high sensitivity. Technical parameters: 1.Operating voltage: DC5V to 20V 2.Static power consumption: 65 microamps 3.Level output: 3.3V, low 0V Thanks a lot , was exactly what I needed to know \$\endgroup\$
    – Ridach
    Commented Dec 6, 2013 at 22:26
  • \$\begingroup\$ @Ridach the LHI778 is the sensor inside your PIR module. It only works from 2 to 12v. So your module has a regulator on board to bring 20v down. The rest stays the same. \$\endgroup\$
    – Passerby
    Commented Dec 6, 2013 at 22:29

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.