KY-010 Broken Light Blocking Sensor

🔦 KY-010 Broken Light Blocking Sensor
🧩 Overview
Optical (infrared) beam break sensor
Detects objects by interrupting a light beam
Compact U-shaped slot design
Widely used in Arduino, ESP32, and robotics projects
⚙️ Working Principle
Contains IR LED (emitter) on one side
Contains phototransistor (receiver) on the other side
IR beam continuously travels across the slot
When an object blocks the beam → signal changes (triggered)
Output used for detection/counting
👉 Acts like a digital switch based on light interruption
📊 Key Specifications
🔹 Operating Voltage: 3.3V – 5V
🔹 Output Type: Digital (HIGH/LOW)
🔹 Interface: 3-pin (VCC, GND, Signal)
🔹 Slot Gap: ~5 mm
🔹 Dimensions: ~18.5mm × 15mm
🔹 Current: < 45 mA
🧱 Module Components
Infrared LED (emitter)
Phototransistor (receiver)
Resistors (1kΩ & 33Ω)
3-pin header (VCC, GND, Signal)
🔄 Features
Fast response and high sensitivity
Simple digital output
Small, lightweight, and low cost
Easy plug-and-play interface
🛠️ Applications
Object detection systems 📦
Speed measurement (rotating wheels) ⚙️
Encoder systems
Slot-based counting machines
Robotics & automation projects 🤖
⚠️ Usage Tips
Place object inside the slot gap for detection
Avoid strong sunlight or IR interference
Ensure proper alignment of emitter & receiver
Use debouncing in fast applications
✅ Advantages
Simple working principle
Reliable for precise interruption detection
Easy to interface with microcontrollers
Low cost
⚠️ Limitations
Works only within small slot gap (~5mm)
Sensitive to ambient infrared light
Not suitable for long-distance detection
🔌 Pin Configuration
🔴 VCC → 3.3V / 5V
⚫ GND → Ground
🟡 Signal (DO) → Digital input pin
🔍 Summary
Detects objects using IR beam interruption
Outputs a digital signal when light is blocked
Ideal for counting, positioning, and motion detection