How to Use Infrared Receiver: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Infrared Receiver is a device designed to detect and decode infrared (IR) signals. It is commonly used in remote control applications to receive commands from an IR transmitter, such as a TV remote. The receiver converts the modulated IR light signal into an electrical signal that can be processed by a microcontroller or other digital systems.

• Remote control systems for TVs, air conditioners, and other appliances
• Wireless communication between devices
• IR-based object detection and proximity sensing
• Home automation systems
• Robotics and hobbyist projects

Below are the key technical details of a typical Infrared Receiver:

The Infrared Receiver typically has three pins. Below is the pinout and description:

1. Power the Receiver: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V or 5V power source and the GND pin to the ground of your circuit.
2. Connect the Output: Connect the OUT pin to a digital input pin of a microcontroller (e.g., Arduino UNO).
3. Add a Pull-Up Resistor: If necessary, use a pull-up resistor (e.g., 10kΩ) on the OUT pin to ensure a stable high signal when no IR signal is detected.
4. Positioning: Ensure the receiver is positioned to face the IR transmitter for optimal signal reception.

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Infrared Receivers can be affected by ambient IR light from sunlight or incandescent bulbs. Use the receiver in a controlled environment or shield it from such interference.
• Match the Carrier Frequency: Ensure the IR transmitter and receiver operate at the same carrier frequency (e.g., 38kHz).
• Use Decoupling Capacitors: Place a small capacitor (e.g., 0.1µF) between VCC and GND to filter out power supply noise.
• Signal Decoding: Use a microcontroller or dedicated IR decoder IC to process the output signal and extract the transmitted data.

Below is an example of how to use the Infrared Receiver with an Arduino UNO to decode IR signals from a remote control.

• Connect the VCC pin of the receiver to the 5V pin on the Arduino.
• Connect the GND pin of the receiver to the GND pin on the Arduino.
• Connect the OUT pin of the receiver to digital pin 2 on the Arduino.

#include <IRremote.h> // Include the IRremote library

const int RECV_PIN = 2; // Define the pin connected to the IR receiver
IRrecv irrecv(RECV_PIN); // Create an IRrecv object
decode_results results;  // Create a variable to store decoded results

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication
  irrecv.enableIRIn(); // Start the IR receiver
  Serial.println("IR Receiver is ready to receive signals.");
}

void loop() {
  if (irrecv.decode(&results)) { // Check if a signal is received
    Serial.print("Received IR code: ");
    Serial.println(results.value, HEX); // Print the received code in HEX format
    irrecv.resume(); // Prepare to receive the next signal
  }
}

• Install the IRremote library in the Arduino IDE before uploading the code.
• The received IR code will be displayed in the Serial Monitor in hexadecimal format.
• Use the decoded IR codes to trigger specific actions in your project.

1. No Signal Detected:

   • Ensure the IR transmitter is functional and emitting signals.
   • Verify the receiver is powered correctly and connected to the microcontroller.
   • Check for interference from ambient light sources.

2. Unstable or Incorrect Output:

   • Add a pull-up resistor to the OUT pin if the signal is unstable.
   • Use a decoupling capacitor to reduce noise on the power supply.

3. Short Reception Range:

   • Ensure the IR transmitter and receiver are aligned properly.
   • Check the strength of the IR LED in the transmitter.

4. Library Issues:

   • Ensure the IRremote library is installed and up to date.
   • Verify the correct pin is defined in the code for the receiver.

Q: Can I use the Infrared Receiver with a 3.3V microcontroller?
A: Yes, most Infrared Receivers operate within a voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V, making them compatible with 3.3V systems.

Q: How do I know the carrier frequency of my remote control?
A: Check the remote control's datasheet or use an oscilloscope to measure the frequency of the transmitted signal.

Q: Can the Infrared Receiver detect signals through obstacles?
A: No, IR signals require a clear line of sight between the transmitter and receiver.