In the Smoke Detector industrial there is much debate over using a photo sensor or an ion sensor to detect smoke. The debate is being decided country by country and though the reasons for selection may vary consensus is being reached.
Use of an infrared diode and photo sensor is predominant in most of Europe and Asia. Many nations have simply decided that the amount of radioactive material needed to operate the ion chamber is unacceptable and regulated its use. Even places like the U.K. where the use has not been outlawed the requirement for a nuclear license to store more than 30 detectors has made low cost shipping and receiving untenable.
In the U.S the amount of radioactive material required for a smoke detector is considered acceptable and so the debate continues on the merit of system performance. From the standpoint of cost and fast fires the ion chamber has reigned supreme, but photo sensors have been shown to more quickly detect smoldering fires that cause poisoning or suffocation. As a result both photo and ion sensors are used together to provide better coverage while ion chamber devices dominate single sensor smoke detector sales.
Regardless of the type of sensor used Microchip offers detection I.C. ideal for battery operation, horn driving and sensor interfacing as well as the microcontrollers for systems that require the flexibility of programming.
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