IR Break Beam Sensor - 5mm LEDs

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SKU: ADA2168 Brand: Adafruit

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...

$13.05 AUD, inc GST

$11.86 AUD, exc GST

In stock, ships same business day if ordered before 2PM
Delivered by Mon, 18th of Nov

Quantity Discounts:

10-25 $11.39 (exc GST)
25+ $11.04 (exc GST)

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 5mm IR version. It works up to 50cm / 20". 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

We also carry a 3mm version that works for slightly shorter distances.

Technical Details

Sensing Distance: Approx 50cm / 20"
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: 250mm / 10"
Weight (of each half): 3g

Datasheet

This product is listed in:

Sensors>Infrared

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