Expert Insight: Enhanced indoor detection with the FlipX sensor series

Burglary remains a serious issue across Europe, with Europol reporting over 1.5 million cases in 2023. Countries such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands have all seen noticeable year-on-year increases. But the impact of a break-in goes far beyond stolen property, it often leaves victims feeling vulnerable and can result in lengthy and stressful insurance claims.

False alarms represent another serious challenge; in the UK alone, false alarms account for more than 90% of police-dispatched alarm calls, placing unnecessary pressure on emergency services and costing businesses millions annually. As Ryotaro Shimizu, Product Manager at OPTEX, says: “A false alarm is not just an inconvenience – it’s a credibility issue for security providers and can seriously undermine trust in a system. With the FlipX series, we’ve worked hard to balance sensitivity with accuracy to ensure reliable detection.”

The FlipX series was developed with these challenges firmly in mind, offering a sensing solution that not only detects threats with greater precision, but also helps reduce costly false alarms.

X-band Microwave: What is it and why it matters

The FlipX series includes dual-technology models that combine passive infrared (PIR) with microwave (MW) sensing to enhance detection accuracy in cluttered or unstable environments. OPTEX’s decision to use X-band microwave instead of K-band microwave technology sets it apart. Mark Cosgrave, Divisional Director, explains: “Security sensors aren’t about detecting everything, they’re about detecting the right thing.” X-band’s longer wavelength ensures stable detection, filtering out irrelevant movements while still capturing genuine threats. “Ultimately, it means greater confidence for our customers, knowing their system delivers accurate detection and responds when it truly matters,” he adds. The result is a more dependable sensor that’s better suited to security demands.

SMDA logic: Intelligent processing

An additional key feature of the FlipX series is its use of OPTEX’s proprietary SMDA (Super Multidimensional Analysis) logic. This advanced algorithm analyses signal patterns using environmental data to filter out common sources of false alarms such as brightness, shades or temperature fluctuations. SMDA significantly enhances reliability, offering another layer of assurance for both users and installers.

The FlipX Series represents a significant step forward in intrusion detection. Since the launch of the first ranges in 2022, it has been installed successfully in thousands of sites, meeting the needs of a demanding market. FlipX brings together precision sensing, flexible mounting, and installation ease – all in one sleek, compact device that blends seamlessly into commercial and residential interiors.

Meet the FlipX range: selecting the right model for your needs