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uThing::MNL

uThing::MNL

uThing::MNL is an easy-to-use USB multi-sensor dongle for detecting presence, measuring ambient noise and tracking activity levels in indoor spaces. It integrates a motion (PIR) sensor, a luminosity sensor, and a MEMS microphone for ambient noise analysis.

The aggregated output data generated from these 3 sensors can be used to detect presence of people or track the activity levels on an indoor space for example.

Key Features

  • Multi-Sensor Integration: Combines a passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor, a luminosity sensor, and a MEMS microphone for Sound Pressure Level (SPL) measurement.
  • Onboard Processing: A powerful ARM Cortex-M4 with DSP instructions processes raw sensor data into meaningful values.
  • Simple Connectivity: Plugs into any USB host (Linux, macOS, Windows, Android) and works as a standard Virtual COM Port (VCP) with no drivers needed.
  • Flexible Output: Provides data in JSON (default), CSV, or a human-readable format for easy integration.
  • Customizable Optics: Includes two interchangeable Fresnel lenses to optimize the motion detection range and angle for different applications.

Measured Data Points

The device outputs the following data, aggregated from its sensors:

  • Ambient Light: Last measured and running average illuminance [lux].
  • Motion: Number of PIR detections in the last reporting period and over the last hour.
  • Ambient Noise (SPL): RMS, peak, and base sound pressure levels [dB].

Block Diagram

uThing::MNL Block Diagram

Privacy by Design: No Audio Recording

The MEMS microphone is only used to measure ambient noise levels (SPL). No intelligible audio is ever processed or transmitted over USB. The device only outputs calculated decibel levels, ensuring privacy.

Next Steps

Ready to get started? The Quickstart Guide is the best place to begin.

Go to the Quickstart Guide →

To learn more about specific features, see the following pages: