Infrared Break Beam Sensor

A simple infrared sensor for detecting motion/interruption. The sensor is easy to install by placing the transmitter on one side and the receiver on the other side. It is important that the sensors are pointing towards each other. As soon as the infrared beam is interrupted by an object or person, the receiver will emit a low signal on the yellow signal cable (by using a pull-up resistor on the yellow signal cable).

Specifications:

• Maximum detection range: 50cm
• IR receiver:
  • Supply voltage: 5V DC
  • Maximum power consumption: 10mA
  • Receiving angle: <10°
  • Output type: NPN NO (NPN transistor is closed when infrared beam is interrupted*)
  • Internal pull-up resistor: None (use a 1 - 10kΩ pull-up resistor between the signal wire and the power supply)
  • Maximum output current: 70mA
  • Cable length: ~30cm
• IR transmitter:
  • Supply voltage: 5V DC
  • Maximum power consumption: 20mA
  • Beam angle: <5°
  • Cable length: ~30cm
• Working temperature: -10 - 60°C
• Dimensions: 20 x 10 x 7.5mm (of both the transmitter and receiver, without protruding IR LED/receiver)

* When the NPN transistor is closed it will pull the signal on the yellow cable to ground.

Pinout:

• Red: Vin (+)
• Black: Ground (-)
• Yellow: Signal

Package contents:

• 1x Infrared receiver
• 1x Infrared transmitter

See the following page for an example with a similar sensor: IR Breakbeam Sensor