IR Sensor Module - Infrared Obstacle Avoidance

IR Sensor Module (Infrared Obstacle Avoidance) is a versatile, low-cost optical proximity detection sensor designed for automated distance sensing and obstacle detection. Operating on the principle of infrared reflection, the module features an IR transmitting LED and an IR receiver photodiode paired with an onboard LM393 voltage comparator. It is widely used in robotics, line-following vehicles, smart home automation, and object counting systems, interfacing seamlessly with microcontrollers like Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, and Raspberry Pi.

Features

• Active infrared reflection technology for non-contact object and obstacle detection
• Built-in LM393 high-precision voltage comparator IC for reliable digital output switching
• Onboard sensitivity adjustment potentiometer to easily set the obstacle detection range
• Features dual status LED indicators: Power LED (Power On) and Output LED (Obstacle Detected)
• Provides a clean digital output signal (OUT) that easily interfaces with microcontroller GPIO pins
• Standard 3-pin headers (VCC, GND, OUT) for simple jumper wire prototyping
• Compact, lightweight design with pre-drilled mounting screw hole for easy physical installation
• Compatible with both 3.3V and 5V logic supply levels

Applications

• Autonomous obstacle-avoiding robots, rovers, and smart car platforms
• Object and item counter systems on automated assembly or conveyor lines
• Smart trash cans, touchless liquid dispensers, and automatic tap controllers
• Line-following robot guidance (sensing high-contrast borders and obstacles)
• Intrusion detection alarms, door entry counters, and security barrier systems
• Student engineering, polytechnic diploma, and science fair micro-controller projects

Important Notes:

• Detection distance varies based on the reflective properties, surface texture, and color of the target object (e.g., matte black surfaces absorb IR light and yield shorter detection distances compared to white or shiny surfaces).
• Direct sunlight or high-intensity ambient lighting containing strong infrared radiation can cause false triggers or reduce sensing accuracy.
• Gently turn the blue potentiometer screw clockwise to increase sensitivity (extend distance) or counter-clockwise to decrease sensitivity.
• Do not apply input voltages higher than 5V DC to the VCC pin to prevent damage to the LM393 comparator chip.
• Connect the module's GND pin to the ground of your main microcontroller board for proper logic reference.

Package includes

• 1 x IR Sensor Module (Infrared Obstacle Avoidance)