5mm IR Transmitter Receiver Pair

📡 5mm IR Transmitter Receiver Pair
Infrared Communication • Object Detection • Wireless Signal Transfer
The 5mm IR Transmitter and Receiver Pair is a basic infrared sensing component set used in many electronics, robotics, and automation projects. The pair consists of an infrared LED (transmitter) that emits invisible IR light and a photodiode or phototransistor (receiver) that detects the reflected or transmitted infrared light.
These components operate in the infrared wavelength range (~940 nm) and are commonly used in remote control systems, obstacle detection sensors, and line-following robots.
📊 Infographic Overview
🔹 Basic Specifications
Feature
Details
📏 LED Size
5 mm
🔌 Forward Voltage
1.2 – 1.5 V
⚡ Forward Current
20 – 30 mA
📡 Wavelength
~940 nm
🔍 Detection Distance
Up to ~10–30 cm (depends on circuit)
🌡 Operating Temperature
-25°C to +85°C
🧩 Components in the Pair
Component
Description
🔴 IR Transmitter (IR LED)
Emits infrared light
⚫ IR Receiver (Photodiode / Phototransistor)
Detects incoming infrared radiation
🔗 Leads / Pins
Electrical connection to circuits
⚙️ Working Principle
The pair works using infrared light transmission and detection.
Step-by-Step Operation
1️⃣ The IR LED transmitter emits infrared light.
2️⃣ The light travels through space toward an object or receiver.
3️⃣ If an object is present, the IR light reflects back.
4️⃣ The IR receiver detects the reflected IR signal.
5️⃣ The signal can be processed by a microcontroller or sensor circuit.
📐 Basic Working Diagram
IR Sensor Pair

IR Transmitter IR Receiver
(IR LED) (Photodiode)
🔴 ⚫
│ │
│ Infrared Light │
└───────►►►─────────┘
🤖 Common Applications
📺 TV remote control systems
🤖 Obstacle detection robots
🛣 Line follower robots
🚪 Automatic door sensors
📦 Object counting systems
🔐 Security detection systems
🔌 Compatible Microcontrollers
This IR pair can be used with:
Arduino Uno
Arduino Nano
ESP32
Raspberry Pi
Usually combined with resistors, comparators, or amplifier circuits to create sensor modules.
💡 Advantages
✅ Simple and low-cost sensor solution
✅ Small size and lightweight
✅ Low power consumption
✅ Fast response time
✅ Easy integration in circuits
⚠️ Limitations
❌ Performance affected by strong sunlight
❌ Limited detection distance
❌ Requires additional circuitry for stable output
🔧 Example DIY Project
🤖 Obstacle Detection Robot
Components
5mm IR Transmitter Receiver Pair
Arduino Uno
Motor driver
Robot chassis
Working
✔ IR LED emits infrared light
✔ If obstacle is detected → IR receiver senses reflection
✔ Arduino processes signal and changes robot direction