The IR Obstacle Avoidance Sensor Module is a versatile and easy-to-use electronic "eye" for your projects. At Electrapac, we recommend this sensor for hobbyists and students building smart robots, automated dispensers, or security alarms that need to detect the presence of an object without physical contact.

Product Overview

The module consists of an infrared transmitter (the clear LED) and an infrared receiver (the black LED). The transmitter emits a beam of infrared light; when an object comes within range, the light reflects back to the receiver. The onboard LM393 comparator then processes this signal and toggles the digital output pin. It is highly adaptive to ambient light and features a sensing range that can be manually tuned.

Key Features for Electrapac Customers

• Adjustable Sensitivity: Features an onboard multi-turn potentiometer. Turning it clockwise increases the detection distance, allowing you to fine-tune the sensor for your specific environment.

• Simple Digital Interface: The sensor outputs a LOW (0V) signal when an obstacle is detected and a HIGH (5V/3.3V) signal when the path is clear. This makes it compatible with almost any microcontroller.

• Ambient Light Resistance: The module is designed to filter out standard indoor lighting, ensuring the receiver only responds to the reflected infrared beam from its own transmitter.

• Dual LED Indicators: Includes a power light to show the module is active and a status light that glows only when an object is in range, making debugging and setup a breeze.

• Easy Mounting: Features a pre-drilled M3 screw hole, perfect for securing the sensor to the chassis of a robot or a fixed assembly line.

Wiring & Tuning Guide

Connecting the Electrapac IR sensor to your Arduino or Raspberry Pi is simple, requiring only three pins:

1. VCC: Connect to 3.3V or 5V DC.

2. GND: Connect to the common ground.

3. OUT: Connect to a Digital Input pin on your MCU.

Pro-Tip: Infrared light is absorbed by dark surfaces and reflected by light surfaces. A black object may need to be much closer to the sensor to be detected compared to a white object. Always calibrate your potentiometer using the specific materials your project will encounter.

Primary Applications

• Obstacle Avoidance Robots: The primary sensor for DIY rovers to help them "see" walls and avoid collisions.

• Automatic Hand Sanitizer Dispensers: Detecting a hand underneath the nozzle to trigger a pump.

• Line Following Robots: When pointed downward, it can distinguish between a white floor and a black line.

• Touchless Switches: Creating a "wave-to-activate" switch for lights or doors to improve hygiene.

• Production Line Counters: Counting items as they pass by on a conveyor belt.

Why Shop at Electrapac?

We source our IR Obstacle Avoidance Sensors with precision LM393 comparators to ensure sharp, reliable switching and long-term durability. Visit us at www.electrapac.com for the sensors that give your projects the power of perception.