The IR Break Beam Sensor is a simple and reliable motion detection sensor that operates by interrupting an infrared light beam.

It consists of two parts:

• Emitter: emits an invisible infrared light beam.
• Receiver: detects the infrared radiation emitted by the emitter.

When an object passes between the two parts and blocks the passage of infrared light, the beam is interrupted ("break beam") and the receiver notifies the control system.

Advantages

Compared to PIR sensors:

• faster response,
• better control of the exact detection area.

Compared to ultrasonic (Sonar) sensors:

• lower cost,
• simpler operation.

Note: Placement of transmitter and receiver on opposite sides of the area you want to monitor is required.

Features

• Version with 3mm infrared LED.
• Operating range up to approximately 50 cm.
• Operation with 3.3V or 5V DC power supply.
• 5V power supply is recommended for greater range.
• The receiver has an open collector transistor type output.

For reading digital signal, the following is required:

• internal pull-up resistor of the microcontroller, or
• external 10KΩ resistor between the receiver's white wire and the red wire.

The receiver output can drive:

• relays,
• LEDs,
• other small loads,

with current sinking capability up to 100mA to ground (GND).

• Sensor type: IR Break Beam
• LED type: Infrared LED 3mm
• Detection distance: Approximately 25–50 cm
• Operating voltage: 3.3–5.5V DC
• Transmitter current consumption: 10mA @ 3.3V / 20mA @ 5V
• Maximum receiver output current: 100mA (sink current)
• Transmitter/receiver LED angle: 10°
• Response time: Very fast response
• Dimensions of each part :20 × 10 × 8 mm
• Cable length: 234 mm
• Weight of each part :approximately 3 g