Security sensor
A security sensor including a processor, communication module, antenna, and tamper detection circuit, wherein the sensor is configured to detect tampering based at least in part on a difference between an electrical characteristic of a first signal and the electrical characteristic of a second signal.
1. A method for detecting unauthorized tampering with a security sensor including a processor, an antenna and a detection circuit, the method comprising the steps:
(a) transmitting a first signal;
(b) measuring a first electrical characteristic of the first signal;
(c) generating a second signal when an object is in close proximity to the sensor;
(d) measuring a second electrical characteristic of the second signal;
(e) determining whether a difference between the first electrical characteristic and the second electrical characteristic is greater than or equal to a tamper threshold; and
(f) generating an alarm signal subsequent to determining the difference between the first electrical characteristic the second electrical characteristic is greater than or equal to a tamper threshold.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first electrical characteristic and the second electrical characteristic comprise a voltage.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the tamper threshold is adjustable.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the tamper threshold is adjustable based at least in part on at least one environmental factor.
5. A security sensor comprising:
a processor;
a communication module in electrical communication with the processor, the communication module configured to transmit a first signal;
an antenna in communication with the communication module; and
a tamper detection circuit in communication with the processor, the tamper detection circuit configured to generate a second signal and measure a first electrical characteristic of the first signal and a second electrical characteristic of the second signal;
wherein the processor is configured to determine whether the difference between the first electrical characteristic and the second electrical characteristic is greater than or equal to a tamper threshold and generate an alarm signal subsequent to having determined the difference between the first electrical characteristic and the second electrical characteristic is greater than or equal to a tamper threshold.
6. The sensor of claim 5 , wherein the first electrical characteristic and the second electrical characteristic comprise a voltage.
7. The sensor of claim 5 , wherein the tamper threshold is adjustable.
8. The sensor of claim 7 , wherein the tamper threshold is adjustable based at least in part on at least one environmental factor.
9. A security system comprising:
a control unit; and
at least one sensor in communication with the control unit;
wherein the at least one sensor is configured to:
transmit a first signal;
generate a second signal; and
measure a first electrical characteristic of the transmitted first signal and a second electrical characteristic of the generated second signal;
determine whether the difference between the first electrical characteristic and the second electrical characteristic is greater than or equal to a tamper threshold; and
transmit an alarm signal to the control unit if the difference between the first electrical characteristic and the second electrical characteristic is greater than or equal to a tamper threshold.
10. The security system of claim 9 , wherein the first electrical characteristic and the second electrical characteristic comprise a voltage.
11. The security system of claim 9 , wherein the tamper threshold is adjustable.
12. The security system of claim 11 , wherein the tamper threshold is adjustable based at least in part on at least one environmental factor.