Security Alarm System Using
Photo Detector (LDR)
MINI PROJECT (ASSIGNMENT II) REPORT
On
23ECP103 SESNSORS AND TRANSDUCERS
Submitted by
JEEVA S (717823T123)
YOUSUF HASHIR S (717823T132)
RAJKUMAR V (717823T140)
In partial fulfillment for the award of degree
of
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
IN
ELECTRONICS ANDTELECOMMUNICATION
ENGINEERING
KARPAGAM COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
COIMBATORE – 641 032
ANNA UNIVERSITY: CHENNAI 600 025
DECEMBER-2025
DECLARATION
We hereby declare that this mini project report on 23ECP103 SESNSORS
AND TRANSDUCERS entitled “ Security Alarm System Using Photo Detector
(LDR) ” submitted by me for the degree of BE in Electronics and
Telecommunication Engineering at Karpagam College of Engineering,
Coimbatore is the record of original work done by me under the guidance and
supervision of [Link] N M, M.E,(Ph.D) ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
at the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Karpagam
College of Engineering, Coimbatore – 641032 and has not formed the basis for the
award of any degree, or diploma or titles in this institution or any other Institution of
higher learning.
Date: Name and Signature of the Candidate
Place:Coimbatore JEEVA S (717823T123)
YOUSUF HASHIR S (717823T132)
RAJUKMAR V (717823T140)
INDEX
[Link] CONTENTS PAGE.
NO
1 Abstract 4
2 Chapter 1:Introduction 5
3 Chapter 2:Literature Survey 6
4 Chapter 3 : Components Description 7
5 Chapter 4 : Block Diagram and Circuit Diagram Description 8
6 Chapter 5 :Results and Hardware Images 9
7 Chapter 6:Conclusion 10
8 References 11
ABSTRACT
In this project, a low-cost, sensor-based security alarm system has been
designed and implemented using a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) without the use
of a microcontroller. The LDR acts as the sensing element that detects variations in
light intensity caused by the interruption of a light beam. The system is designed
using analog components such as resistors, a comparator (operational amplifier), a
transistor, and an alarm (buzzer). The LDR is characterized in terms of static and
dynamic parameters, and calibration has been carried out to establish the
relationship between light intensity and output voltage. The performance of the
system is analyzed with respect to response time, accuracy, and error levels. The
developed system provides a reliable, simple, and low-power security solution that
can be used in homes, offices, and restricted areas.
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Security systems play an essential role in modern-day life, offering protection
to property and assets. Most commercially available systems use microcontrollers,
cameras, or wireless modules, which increases cost and complexity. This project
aims to demonstrate how a basic security alarm can be designed without using
microcontrollers, relying only on a sensor-based measurement system.
The chosen sensor for this project is a Photo Detector (Light Dependent Resistor –
LDR). An LDR exhibits a resistance that decreases with an increase in light
intensity. This property is used in the design of a comparator-based circuit, where
the LDR is employed in a voltage divider configuration. When the light beam
directed at the LDR is interrupted (for example, when someone crosses it), the
resistance of the LDR changes drastically, triggering an alarm circuit.
The major goals of this project are:
1. To characterize the LDR sensor in terms of static and dynamic properties.
2. To calibrate the sensor output against a standard lux meter and perform
error analysis.
3. To demonstrate real-time implementation of the system in a practical scenario
such as intruder detection.
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE SURVEY
Sensor-based alarm systems have been studied extensively in the past. Several
works highlight the use of infrared (IR) sensors, PIR sensors, and ultrasonic
sensors for security. However, these require active electronic components,
higher power, and often microcontroller integration.
The LDR-based alarm system is one of the oldest but most reliable techniques
for detecting intrusion in a controlled environment. It is commonly used in:
Automatic street lighting systems (lights turn ON in the dark).
Burglar alarm systems where a laser beam is directed towards the LDR.
This project extends these principles and emphasizes the analog circuit design
approach, sensor characterization, and practical implementation, filling the
gap between academic understanding and real-world application.
Theory of Sensor:
Principle of Operation:
An LDR (also called Cadmium Sulphide cell) is a passive photo-sensitive
device whose resistance decreases with increasing incident light intensity.
In dark conditions, its resistance is very high (0.5 MΩ – 1 MΩ). Under bright
light, resistance drops significantly (200 Ω – 2 kΩ).
This variation is non-linear but sufficient to be detected using a voltage
divider and comparator circuit
CHAPTER 3
COMPONENTS DESCRIPTION
Components Used:
Light Dependent Resistor (LDR)
Operational Amplifier (Op-Amp)
NPN Transistor
Buzzer / Alarm
Resistors
Variable Resistor(Potentiometer)
Breadboard
Laser Light
Power Supply
Component Specification Description
LDR Photoresistor (CdS) Senses changes in light intensity.
Resistor 10 kΩ (can vary for divider tuning) Forms voltage divider with LDR.
Potentiomet 10 kΩ Sets the reference voltage for comparator.
er
Comparator LM358 or LM741 Compares LDR voltage with reference voltage.
Transistor BC547 (NPN) Acts as switch to drive the buzzer.
Buzzer 5V / 9V DC Buzzer Gives audible alert on light interruption.
Battery 9V Powers the entire circuit.
Misc. Breadboard, wires, laser/torch For circuit assembly and light source.
CHAPTER 4
BLOCK DIAGRAM AND CIRCUIT DIAGRAM DESCRIPTION
Fig 1.1 Block Diagram
Circuit Design:
Fig 1.2 Circuit Diagram
Circuit Explanation
The LDR and a resistor form a voltage divider.
The comparator compares this voltage with a reference set by a potentiometer.
When light is blocked, output changes state.
Transistor drives the buzzer to indicate intrusion.
Equation of divider output:
���� = ��� ×
+
CHAPTER 5
RESULTS AND HARDWARE IMAGES
Fig 2.1 Hardware Model Setup(before detect any interaction)
Fig 2.2 Hardware Model Setup(after detection of interection)
CHAPTER 6
CONCLUSION
Results
The LDR was successfully characterized and calibrated.
The comparator circuit effectively detected light interruption.
The system triggered an alarm with high reliability indoors.
Conclusion
A low-cost, efficient security alarm system was developed without using
microcontrollers. The LDR sensor was successfully characterized for static and
dynamic behavior, calibrated, and tested in real-time. The project demonstrated
that even with simple analog components, effective measurement and alarm
systems can be implemented.
Applications
Home/office security.
Restricted entry monitoring.
Automatic object detection counters.
Safety alarms in warehouses and storage facilities.
Future Scope
Replace LDR with PIR sensor for night security.
Add a relay driver to control high-power sirens or lights.
Use solar power for outdoor installations.
Integrate with GSM module for remote alerts.
REFERENCES
References
1. Boylestad & Nashelsky, Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory.
2. R. P. Jain, Modern Digital Electronics.
3. Online resources on LDR datasheets and application notes.
4. S. M. Metev and V. P. Veiko, Laser-Assisted Microtechnology, 2nd ed., Berlin,
Germany: Springer-Verlag, 2009.
5. S. K. Saha, “Design and implementation of light dependent resistor (LDR)
based automatic lighting control system,” IEEE International Conference on
Electrical, Computer and Communication Technologies (ICECCT), pp. 1–5,
2015.
6. A. Kumar and R. S. Tomar, “Development of low-cost security system using
LDR and buzzer,” IEEE Students’ Conference on Electrical, Electronics and
Computer Science (SCEECS), pp. 1–4, 2016.
7. M. S. Kiran, A. P. Kumar, and N. Srinivas, “Implementation of photo-sensor
based automatic street light and security system,” IEEE International
Conference on Power, Control, Signals and Instrumentation Engineering
(ICPCSI), pp. 356–360, 2017.
8. P. Verma and A. Tripathi, “Smart intrusion detection and alert system using
photo sensors,” IEEE 9th International Conference on Communication Systems
and Network Technologies (CSNT), pp. 62–66, 2019.
9. N. Gupta, S. Sharma, and R. Pandey, “Design of an efficient light sensing and
alarm circuit using LDR for security applications,” IEEE International
Conference on Emerging Trends in Electrical, Electronics and Sustainable
Energy Systems (ICETEESES), pp. 118–123, 2020.
10. R. M. Gray and P. J. Hurst, Analysis and Design of Analog Integrated
Circuits, 6th ed., New York, NY, USA: Wiley, 2019.