IR Transmitter and Receiver

The 5mm IR Transmitter and Receiver LED Pair forms a complete infrared communication system widely used in consumer electronics, automation, and hobby electronics projects. The IR Transmitter LED is a specialized light-emitting diode that emits light in the infrared spectrum (around 870–940nm), which is invisible to the human eye but easily detected by IR sensors. When current flows through the transmitter LED, it produces infrared light that can be modulated with data signals and sent wirelessly to a receiver. The IR Receiver, on the other hand, is a photosensitive component (typically a photodiode or phototransistor) specifically designed to detect IR light at matching wavelengths. It features a daylight-blocking filter that rejects ambient visible light, ensuring reliable detection even in bright environments. When IR light hits the receiver's sensitive area, it generates a proportional electrical signal that can be processed by a microcontroller or decoder IC. The transmitter offers high radiant power and intensity, a narrow beam angle of ±10° for focused transmission, and supports high modulation frequencies up to 24MHz for data communication. The receiver provides high sensitivity, fast response times, and a wider acceptance angle of ±20°, making signal reception easier. Together, this pair enables a wide range of applications including TV and appliance remote controls, object detection, data transmission, line-following robots, and industrial sensing systems.

IR Transmitter Specifications

• Package Type: Leaded (through-hole)
• Dimensions: 5mm (T1-3/4)
• Lead Configuration: Leads with stand-off
• Peak Wavelength (λp): 870 nm (some variants: 940 nm)
• Angle of Half Intensity: ±10° (narrow, focused beam)
• Forward Voltage: Low (typically 1.2V – 1.5V)
• Modulation Bandwidth: 24 MHz
• Radiant Power: High
• Radiant Intensity: High
• Reliability: High
• Compatibility: Excellent spectral match with Si photodetectors
• Pulse Current: Suitable for high pulse current operation
• Lens Type: Clear (transparent to IR)
• Polarity: Longer lead = Anode (+), Shorter lead = Cathode (–)

IR Receiver Specifications

• Package Type: Leaded (through-hole)
• Dimensions: 5mm (T1-3/4)
• Lead Configuration: Leads with stand-off
• Radiant Sensitive Area: 0.78 mm²
• Peak Sensitivity Wavelength: 870 nm – 890 nm (matches transmitter)
• Daylight Blocking Filter: Yes, optimized for 870–890 nm emitters
• Angle of Half Sensitivity: ±20°
• Bandwidth: 100 MHz at VR = 12V
• Response Time: Fast
• Radiant Sensitivity: High
• Operating Voltage: Typically up to 32V (photodiode)
• Lens Type: Dark (blocks visible light)
• Polarity: Marked on lead or flat side of housing

Applications

• Used in remote controls for TVs, DVD players, and home theater systems.
• Essential in home automation systems for wireless command transmission.
• Employed in obstacle detection in robots and autonomous vehicles.
• Used in line-following and maze-solving robots.
• Applied in proximity sensors for industrial automation.
• Common in security systems for invisible beam detection.
• Used in IR barrier systems to detect motion through breaking a beam.
• Found in counting systems on production lines and conveyors.
• Employed in IR data communication between devices (e.g., IrDA).
• Used in wireless headphones and audio transmission systems.
• Applied in door sensors and access control.
• Common in Arduino and Raspberry Pi projects for wireless control.
• Used in automatic faucets and soap dispensers (touchless sensors).
• Found in garage door openers and electronic locks.
• Employed in toys and interactive games for wireless control.
• Used in IR thermometer circuits and sensors.
• Applied in automotive systems for seat occupancy and proximity detection.
• Ideal for DIY electronics and educational kits.
• Used in industrial machinery for object sensing and safety.
• Common in smart home devices and IoT applications.