T
his circuit (Fig. 1), used in conjunc- ates an electrical signal, which is am-
tion with a thin piezoelectric plate, plified by transistors T1 through T3.
senses the vibration generated on The amplified signal is rectified
knocking a surface (such as a door or a and filtered to produce a low-level
table) to activate the alarm. It uses readily- DC voltage, which is further ampli-
available, low-cost components and can fied by the remaining transistors. The
also be used to safeguard motor vehicles. final output from the collector of pnp
The piezoelectric plate is used as the sen- transistor T6 is applied to reset pin 4
sor. It is the same as used in ordinary of 555 (IC1) that is wired as an Fig. 2: Proposed installation of knock alarm