Infrared Obstacle Avoidance TSOP Sensor Module

Product Description

The Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Sensor Module is a cost-effective and easy-to-use infrared detection module designed for obstacle avoidance, proximity sensing, robotics, and electronic projects. It uses an infrared transmitter and receiver system to detect objects based on reflected IR signals.

The module features a 38 kHz infrared detection system and comes pre-assembled with a 555 timer-based oscillator circuit. It provides a simple 4-pin interface consisting of +5V, GND, OUT, and EN (Enable), making it easy to connect with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other microcontroller platforms.

The sensor provides an active-low digital output and includes an onboard status LED for visual indication. The EN pin allows the sensor to be enabled or disabled externally, providing additional control when required.

Two onboard potentiometers are provided for adjusting the operating frequency and infrared intensity. The module is factory-configured for approximately 38 kHz operation, and it is generally recommended to leave the potentiometers at their default settings for stable performance.

In practical testing, the module can provide a reliable detection range of approximately 30–40 cm, depending on the size, colour, texture, and reflectivity of the object. White and reflective surfaces generally provide better detection than dark, rough, or IR-absorbing surfaces.

Features

• Infrared-based obstacle detection
• Cost-effective proximity detection solution
• Pre-assembled and ready to use
• 38 kHz IR detection system
• 555 timer-based oscillator circuit
• Active-low digital output
• Onboard obstacle/status indicator LED
• 4-pin interface
• Includes Enable (EN) control pin
• Enable or disable sensor using external control
• Two onboard potentiometers for adjustment
• Suitable for Arduino and other microcontrollers
• Compatible with Raspberry Pi with suitable voltage configuration
• Easy to install and interface
• Suitable for robotics and automation projects

Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Module Type	Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Sensor
Detection Method	Infrared Reflection
Operating Frequency	Approximately 38 kHz
Output Type	Digital
Output Logic	Active Low
Interface	4-Pin
Pins	+5V, GND, OUT, EN
Operating Voltage	Approximately 3–6 V
Recommended Raspberry Pi VCC	3 V
Oscillator	555 Timer Based
Enable Control	EN Pin
Detection Range	Approximately 30–40 cm Typical
Adjustment	Frequency and Intensity Potentiometers
Indicator	Onboard Status LED
Sensor Type	IR Transmitter and Receiver

Pin Configuration

Pin	Function	Description
+5V / VCC	Power	Supply voltage
GND	Ground	Power and signal ground
OUT	Output	Active-low obstacle detection signal
EN	Enable	LOW = Enabled, HIGH = Disabled

Working Principle

The module uses an infrared transmitter to emit IR light at approximately 38 kHz. When the emitted infrared signal encounters a nearby object, part of the signal is reflected back toward the receiver.

The receiver detects the reflected infrared signal and the onboard circuit processes it to determine whether an obstacle is present. When an obstacle is detected, the OUT pin produces a LOW-level signal, allowing a connected microcontroller to identify the obstacle.

The onboard LED provides a visual indication of the detection status.

Enable Function

The EN (Enable) pin allows the sensor to be externally enabled or disabled.

• EN connected to GND (LOW): Sensor enabled
• EN connected to VCC (HIGH): Sensor disabled

An onboard jumper can be used to configure the enable function. The jumper may be left open when external enable/disable control is required.

Potentiometer Adjustment

The module includes two onboard potentiometers:

• Frequency adjustment: Used to adjust the IR operating frequency around the 38 kHz range.
• Intensity adjustment: Used to adjust the infrared signal intensity.

Although adjusting these potentiometers may affect the detection range or sensitivity, the module is generally recommended to be used with the factory/default settings for stable operation.

Detection Range

The practical detection range is approximately 30–40 cm, but the actual range depends on the target object and environmental conditions.

Objects with white, smooth, or reflective surfaces generally provide stronger infrared reflections and better detection. Dark, rough, transparent, or infrared-absorbing materials may result in reduced detection distance or less reliable sensing.

Interfacing

The module can be connected to Arduino and other microcontrollers using the VCC, GND, and OUT pins. The EN pin can optionally be connected to a digital control pin when software-based sensor enable/disable functionality is required.

For Raspberry Pi applications, the module can be used with an appropriate 3 V supply configuration, while ensuring that the output voltage presented to the Raspberry Pi GPIO remains within safe limits.

Applications

• Robot obstacle avoidance
• Autonomous robots
• Smart car projects
• Proximity detection
• Object detection
• Arduino projects
• Raspberry Pi projects
• Embedded systems
• Automation systems
• Electronic control systems
• DIY robotics
• Line and object detection experiments
• Educational electronics projects
• Sensor-based switching systems
• Prototype development

Package Includes

• 1 × Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Sensor Module

Product Disclaimer

The stated detection range is approximate and may vary depending on the target object’s colour, size, shape, surface texture, reflectivity, ambient light, sensor alignment, and installation conditions.

The module is designed for proximity and obstacle detection rather than precision distance measurement.

When connecting the module to a Raspberry Pi or other 3.3 V logic device, ensure that the supply and output signal levels are suitable for the controller’s GPIO requirements.

Product images are shown for illustrative and representational purposes only. The actual product colour, dimensions, component placement, potentiometer position, jumper configuration, and appearance may vary slightly depending on the manufacturing batch.