IR Sensor Module | Infrared Obstacle Avoidance

The IR Sensor Module detects nearby objects using infrared reflection (a method where an IR LED emits invisible light and a photodetector reads how much bounces back from an object). The infrared sensor runs on 3.3V to 5V DC and outputs a digital signal when an object enters the 2cm to 30cm detection range. The detection angle extends up to 35 degrees, which means the sensor picks up objects slightly off-axis, not just directly in front of it. The ir sensor module arduino connects through a standard three-pin header.

The ir sensor module arduino uses a comparator (an electronic component that compares two voltages and outputs high or low) to convert the analog reflection signal into a clean digital output. One non-obvious detail — the detection distance changes significantly based on surface colour. A white surface triggers at the full 30cm range, while a black surface may trigger only below 10cm because it absorbs more infrared. The honest limitation is ambient light. Bright fluorescent light and direct sunlight both emit infrared and can cause false triggers on the output pin.

The infrared ir sensor connects to Arduino, ESP32 digital input pins through VCC, GND, and signal pins. Learners and robotics hobbyists use it regularly. To start, connect VCC to 5V, GND to GND, and signal to a digital pin, then read HIGH for no object and LOW for object detected. StemVolt provides this ir sensor module tested with confirmed digital output at the range.

Related Products: 

• Check out the HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor

Features:

• Detection distance from 2cm to 30cm covers short-range object sensing for robot and automation builds
• Operating voltage from 3.3V to 5V DC connects directly to Arduino and ESP32 GPIO input pins
• Detection angle up to 35 degrees gives lateral sensing coverage beyond straight forward detection only
• ir sensor pinout with standard VCC GND and signal pins maps directly to Arduino three-pin header rows

Technical specifications:

Applications:

• Obstacle avoidance robot uses this sensor to detect a wall at under 20cm and turn away
• Automatic hand sanitiser dispenser uses this to detect a hand at under 10cm and trigger a pump relay
• IR Sensor Module reads object presence on a conveyor and sends a GPIO count signal to Arduino
• infrared ir sensor reads paper gap in a printer path and triggers a GPIO stop signal at 2cm range

Package includes:

• 1 x IR Sensor Module