IR (Infrared) Obstacle Avoidance Sensor Module

What this module is

The IR Obstacle Avoidance Sensor is used to detect nearby objects without contact.

It works by:

• Emitting infrared light

• Detecting reflected light from objects

If reflection is detected obstacle present

Working Principle (simple)

• IR LED sends invisible infrared light

• Object reflects the light

• IR receiver detects reflection

• Comparator gives output (HIGH/LOW)

Output becomes LOW when obstacle detected (most modules)

Key Specifications

• Operating Voltage: 3.3V 5V

• Detection Range: ~2 cm to 30 cm (adjustable)

• Detection Angle: ~35

• OutpuIC: LM393 (common)

Pinout

3-pin version:

• VCC 3.3V / 5V

• GND Ground

• OUT Digital pin

4-pin version (some modules):

• EN Enable pin

Key Features

• Adjustable sensitivity (via potentiometer)

• Fast response (<10 ms)

• Built-in LED indicators

• Easy to use with Arduino / ESP32

• Very low cost

Applications

• Obstacle avoiding robots

• Smart cars / RC vehicles

• Proximity detection systems

• Automation (object detection)

• e only (few cm)

• Accuracy affected by:

  • Sunlight

  • Dark/black objects (absorb IR)

  • Reflective surfaces

   

• Not suitable for precise distance measurement

For better distance measurement, use Ultrasonic sensor (HC-SR04) instead

IR vs Ultrasonic Sensor

When to use this

Use IR sensor if you want:

• Simple obstacle detection

• Low-cost robotics projects

• Fastm real usage)

  • Adjust the potentiometer to avoid false detection

  • Use multiple sensors for better robot navigation

  • Add delay/filtering in code to reduce noise