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# IR Break Beam Sensor - 3mm LEDs

**Type:** Product page · **SKU:** ADA2167 · **Brand:** [Adafruit](https://core-electronics.com.au/brands/adafruit-australia)
**Page:** https://core-electronics.com.au/ir-break-beam-sensor-3mm-leds.html ([markdown](https://core-electronics.com.au/ir-break-beam-sensor-3mm-leds.html.md))

Infrared (IR) break-beam sensors are a simple way to detect motion. They work by having an emitter side that sends out a beam of human-invisible IR light, then a...

## Pricing

- **Price:** $6.20 (inc GST) — $5.64 AUD, exc GST
- **Quantity discounts:** 10+ $5.46 (exc GST) · 50+ $5.35 (exc GST)

## Availability & dispatch

- Out of stock — the product page offers email notification when it returns.

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## Description

Infrared (IR) break-beam sensors are a simple way to detect motion. They work by having an emitter side that sends out a beam of human-invisible IR light, then a receiver across the way which is sensitive to that same light. When something passes between the two, and its not transparent to IR, then the 'beam is broken' and the receiver will let you know.

Compared to PIR sensors, breakbeams are faster and allow better control of where you want to detect the motion. Compared to Sonar modules, they're less expensive. However, you do need both emitter and receiver on opposite sides of the area you want to monitor.

This is the **3mm IR version.** It works up to 25cm / 10". You can power it from 3.3V or 5V, but 5V will get you better range and is what Adafruit suggest. The receiver is *open collector transistor output* which means that you do need a pull up resistor if you want to read a digital signal off the signal wire. Most microcontrollers have the ability to turn on a built in pull up resistor. If you do not, connect a 10K resistor between the white wire of the receiver and the red wire. If you want to control a relay or LED or whatever, it can sink up to 100mA to ground

[Check out Adafruit's IR breakbeam tutorial for how to get started quickly](https://learn.adafruit.com/ir-breakbeam-sensors)

[We also carry a 5mm version that works for slightly longer distances.](https://core-electronics.com.au/ir-break-beam-sensor-5mm-leds.html)

## Technical Details

- [Datasheet](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/C2916_16559e3c5bb.pdf)
- Sensing Distance: Approx 25cm / 10"
- Power Voltage: 3.3 - 5.5VDC
- Emitter Current Draw: 10mA @ 3.3V, 20mA @ 5V
- Output Current Capability of receiver: 100mA sink
- Transmitter/Receiver LED Angle: 10°
- Response Time: <2 ms
- Dimensions: 20mm x 10mm x 8mm / 0.8" x 0.4" x 0.3"
- Cable Length: 234mm / 9.2"
- Weight (of each half): ~3g
 
![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/2167diagram_42515afd269.jpg)

## Guides for this product

- [Infrared Sensing, Hardware Interrupts, and the Arduino](https://core-electronics.com.au/guides/arduino/infrared-sensors-arduino/)

## Images

- [Product image 1](https://core-electronics.com.au/media/catalog/product/2/1/2167-02.jpg)