Infrared Receiver Module

Overview

Infrared Receiver Module

Add robust wireless remote control functionality to your embedded systems and sensor arrays with the VS1838B Infrared Receiver Module. Operating at the industry-standard 38kHz carrier frequency, this high-sensitivity photodetector is specifically designed to decode signals from standard handheld IR remote controls.

Engineered for reliability in custom electronics, this module features a built-in metallic shield shell that isolates the receiver from ambient lighting, fluorescent glare, and electromagnetic noise. Internally, the component integrates a PIN diode and a preamplifier IC, delivering a clean digital signal directly to your microcontrollers without requiring extra signal processing circuitry. It is an essential, highly accurate sensor for any IoT development or prototyping project requiring long-range remote signaling.

Key Features

• 38kHz Standard Carrier Frequency: Fully compatible with most standard IR protocols, including NEC, RC5, and Sony IR remotes.

• Integrated Demodulator: The built-in preamplifier outputs a clean digital signal directly to your microcontroller, streamlining firmware integration.

• High Anti-Interference: The metal shielding and specialized internal filtering provide excellent resistance to ambient light interference and electrical noise, ideal for exposed sensor setups.

• Wide Operating Voltage: Works reliably across both 2.7V and 5.5V logic levels, making it directly compatible with 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers and logic boards.

• Breadboard & PCB Friendly: The standard 3-pin through-hole layout is easy to integrate into prototype boards, custom printed circuit boards, or wire-harness assemblies.

Technical Specifications

Pinout Configuration

Looking directly at the front dome of the sensor with the pins pointing down:

1. Pin 1 (OUT / DATA): Digital signal output pin. Connect this directly to an interrupt-capable GPIO pin on your microcontroller.

2. Pin 2 (GND): Ground connection (0V).

3. Pin 3 (VCC): Power supply input (+3.3V to +5V).

Common Applications

• Microcontroller Integration: Adding remote navigation and button decoding to custom electronics, embedded systems, and full-stack IoT data pipelines.

• Automation & Sensor Arrays: Controlling relay modules, smart lighting, or actuator valves via handheld IR remotes.

• Robotics: Infrared remote control for mobile robots, obstacle-sensing arrays, or wireless mode switching.

• Component Replacement: Replacing faulty IR receiver units in existing hardware and control boards.

Prototyping & Circuit Notes

• Pull-Up Resistor: The output pin is active-LOW. Adding a 10kΩ pull-up resistor between the OUT pin and VCC ensures stable signal transmission over longer wire runs or trace lengths on your PCB.

• Power Filtering: To maximize sensitivity and avoid false triggers caused by power supply ripple in your circuitry, place a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor between VCC and GND as close to the sensor pins as possible.

What’s Included

• 1x VS1838B 38kHz Infrared Receiver Module