Visible Light and IR Sensor Module

Description

Here is a detailed description of the visible light and infrared (IR) sensor module – photo detector module, a usage guide with Arduino, and some practical programming examples.

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🔎 Description of the Visible Light and Infrared (IR) Sensor Module

📦 Common Name:

Visible Light + Infrared (IR) Sensor – Photo Detector Analog/Digital

🧩 Main Components:

• Photodiode or Phototransistor (visible light/IR sensor)
• Op-amp / Comparator (on modules with digital output)
• Trimmer (to adjust the light threshold on digital output)
• LED Indicator (often present for visual feedback)
• Outputs:
  • Analog (A0): voltage proportional to the light intensity
  • Digital (D0): value HIGH or LOW relative to the set threshold

📐 Technical Specifications:

Characteristic	Typical Value
Operating Voltage	3.3V – 5V
Current Consumption	< 20 mA
Output Type	Analog (0-1023 with Arduino) / Digital (0 or 1)
Spectral Sensitivity	400 – 1100 nm (visible + IR)
Detection Angle	Approximately 60°

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🔌 Module Connection with Arduino

⚙️ Module Pins:

• VCC → 5V (o 3.3V)
• GND → GND
• A0 → Arduino analog pin (e.g., A0)
• D0 → Arduino digital pin (e.g., D2 – optional)

🔧 Connection Diagram (Example with Arduino Uno):

IR Module	Arduino Uno
VCC	5V
GND	GND
A0	A0
D0 (optional)	D2

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👨‍💻 Arduino Programming Guide

1. 📈 Read light intensity via analog output (A0)

int pinSensore = A0;

void setup() {
 Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
 int valoreLuce = analogRead(pinSensore);
 Serial.print("Intensita' luminosa: ");
 Serial.println(valoreLuce); // da 0 (buio) a 1023 (molto luce)
 delay(500);
}

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2. 💡 Turn on an LED based on light intensity

int pinSensore = A0;
int pinLED = 9;

void setup() {
 pinMode(pinLED, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
 int luce = analogRead(pinSensore);
 if (luce < 300) { // Sotto una soglia (luce debole)
 digitalWrite(pinLED, HIGH);
 } else {
 digitalWrite(pinLED, LOW);
 }
}

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3. ⚙️ Read with adjustable digital threshold (D0)

If the module has adjustable digital output via trimmer:

int pinDigital = 2;
int pinLED = 9;

void setup() {
 pinMode(pinDigital, INPUT);
 pinMode(pinLED, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
 int stato = digitalRead(pinDigital);
 if (stato == LOW) { // LOW = poco luce (dipende dalla regolazione)
 digitalWrite(pinLED, HIGH);
 } else {
 digitalWrite(pinLED, LOW);
 }
}

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🧪 Practical usage examples

✅ Common applications:

• Day/night detection for automatic light switching
• Light intensity control in greenhouses or indoor environments
• Automatic activation of displays or devices based on ambient light
• Passage detection (when combined with an obstacle that blocks the light)

💡 Project ideas:

• Courtesy light: turn on LED only when it’s dark
• Environmental data logger: save light values on SD or send via WiFi
• Optical counter: use the module to count objects that interrupt the light

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📌 Tips

• IR modules can be affected by direct sunlight and by IR sources (e.g. TV, remote controls).
• The comparator threshold is adjustable with the trimmer present on the module (turn with a star screwdriver).
• If you use only the analog output, ignore the trimmer and the D0 output.

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If you want, I can provide you with a complete project example, including code, Fritzing diagram, and serial graph. Let me know!

GENERAL	MODEL	Photosensitive diode sensor brightness sensor
MATERIALS	pcb + components
COMPATIBILITY	ARDUINO
ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS	INPUT VOLTAGE	5 V
WEIGHT AND DIMENSIONS	PRODUCT WEIGHT	7 g
PACKAGE WEIGHT	0.088 kg
PRODUCT DIMENSIONS (L x W x H)	5 x 2 x 0.5 cm
PACKAGE DIMENSIONS (L x W x H)	10 x 5 x 2 cm
PACKAGE CONTENTS	PACKAGE CONTENTS	1 x Module

We have datasheets available for all components, if not present in the product download sheet, please send us a message via the contact form and we will publish it as soon as possible on our website.

Tutorial: How to Use Visible Light IR Sensor

This sensor measures visible light and infrared, ideal for lighting and light control projects.

What you need

• Visible Light IR Sensor
• Arduino or microcontroller
• Power Supply Cable
• Multimeter (optional)

Steps

1. 1. Connect the sensor to the microcontroller using the following pins: VCC to 5V, GND to GND, and OUT to a digital pin.
2. 2. Install the Wire library for Arduino if necessary.
3. 3. Write the code to read values from the sensor.
4. 4. Test the sensor using a multimeter if available.
5. 5. Configure the sensor for continuous operation.
6. 6. Adapt the code to handle the read values.
7. 7. Test the sensor with a variable light source.
8. 8. Check the datasheet for further details.

Example code

```void loop() { int value = analogRead(A0); Serial.println(value); delay(100);}```

Mini project

Create a simple light alarm with the sensor turning on an LED when the light decreases.

Common mistakes

• Do not connect the sensor to VCC 3.3V if the sensor requires 5V.
• Make sure the sensor is properly connected before running the code.
• Do not use a PWM pin to read values from the sensor.
• Do not forget to check the datasheet for further specifications.

Recommended accessories

• LED
• Current limiting resistor
• 5V power supply
• Connection cable

Frequently asked questions

How can I calibrate the sensor?
Check the datasheet for further details.

Can I use the sensor with a 3.3V microcontroller?
Check the datasheet for further details.

Does the sensor work well with all light sources?
The sensor performs better with visible and infrared light.