Client ProjectCompleted
Conventional Fire Detector Family Development
While cost pressure is intense in the conventional fire detection market, the EN 54 standard family sets high performance and reliability requirements. In this project, HEFA Teknoloji developed three conventional fire detectors for a client — cost-optimised, low standby current, and meeting EN 54 test requirements: an optical smoke detector, a heat detector (fixed temperature + rate of rise), and a smoke-heat multi detector.
What We Built
Optical Smoke Detector — IR Scatter Design
- Optical chamber structure with infrared light source and photodetector
- Firmware evaluation of photodetector signal change caused by particle scattering
- Threshold and filtering algorithms optimised for false alarm immunity
- PCB design compatible with optical chamber mechanical integration
Heat Detector — Dual-Mode Detection
- Fixed temperature alarm: triggered when ambient temperature exceeds the set threshold
- Rate of rise alarm: early warning by detecting rapid temperature increase per unit time
- False alarm prevention algorithm for seasonal and daily normal temperature fluctuations
- Reliable detection structure covering different fire scenarios with both modes combined
Low Standby Current and Cost Optimisation
- Sensor driver circuits, signal conditioning and MCU firmware optimised for minimum standby current
- Duty-cycle analog circuit operation and sleep mode management
- Component selection based on cost-performance balance among EN 54-compliant alternatives
- PCB design optimised for production panelisation efficiency and SMT compatibility
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product family | Optical smoke, heat, smoke-heat multi detector |
| Smoke detection principle | Infrared scatter (IR scatter) |
| Heat detection modes | Fixed temperature + rate of rise |
| System type | Conventional |
| Standby current | Low current optimised design |
| Certification target | EN 54 (each device under its own sub-standard) |
| Design approach | Cost-optimised, ready for series production |
Use Cases
- Residential and Apartment Common Areas — Smoke detectors for stairwells, corridors and common areas; heat detectors for low-smoke environments such as kitchens and garages.
- Commercial Buildings and Offices — Conventional fire detection infrastructure for office floors, meeting rooms and storage areas. Low standby current allows more detectors per loop.
- Industrial Facilities — Detector selection suited to different fire scenarios in production areas, warehouses and logistics centres. Multi detectors are preferred in mixed-risk zones.
- Educational and Healthcare Facilities — Reliable and cost-effective fire detection for high-occupancy environments such as schools, hospitals and care homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does IR scatter smoke detection work?
The optical chamber inside the detector contains an infrared light source and a photodetector. Under normal conditions, scattered light reaching the photodetector is minimal. When smoke particles enter the chamber, infrared light scatters and causes a measurable signal increase on the photodetector. This change is evaluated by the firmware to generate a smoke alarm.
Why is rate of rise detection necessary — isn't a fixed temperature threshold enough?
A fixed temperature threshold only triggers an alarm when the absolute dangerous level is reached, which can lead to late detection in slow-developing fires. Rate of rise mode detects a rapid temperature increase per unit time and provides early warning before the threshold is reached. The combination of both modes creates a reliable detection structure covering different fire scenarios.
Why does low standby current matter?
In conventional systems, detectors are powered from the panel and each loop has a limited current capacity. Low standby current allows more detectors per loop and efficient use of panel capacity — directly affecting cabling and panel costs in large building projects.
What is the status of EN 54 certification?
Device development is complete. Each detector type will undergo certification testing under its respective EN 54 sub-standard. Detection performance, false alarm immunity and environmental durability parameters will be verified during testing.
Does cost optimisation affect reliability?
Cost optimisation is carried out without compromising EN 54 compliance or detection performance. Component selection, evaluation of alternative supply sources and PCB design efficiency are the main elements of this process.
This project covers a comprehensive R&D process including IR scatter optical smoke detection design, dual-mode heat detection (fixed temperature + rate of rise), cost-optimised PCB design, and multiple product variants on a shared platform. If you have a fire detector development requirement, we can evaluate your technical needs together. fire detection development service for more information.
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