Long Range IR Proximity Sensor Circuit
Build a long-range IR proximity sensor circuit for detecting objects from a distance. Step-by-step DIY guide with components, working principle, and troubleshoo...
What Is a Long Range IR Proximity Sensor?
An IR proximity sensor identifies the distance of objects or their absence with the help of infrared light. The long-range model employs more powerful IR LEDs and sensitive photodiodes with amplifiers to identify objects much further than the normal short-range sensors. This is best suited to robotics, security, and industrial automationwhere it is required to detect distant objects.
ir sensor circuit for long distance detection
A long-range IR proximity sensor circuit is an electric system that could detect objects that would not have been sensed by typical IR sensors over a long distance. This DIY circuit can be used to detect objects at a distance ranging between a few meters and tens of meters, depending on the type of components used and also the surrounding environment, with the help of high-power infrared LEDs and sensitive photodiodes.
The infrared proximity sensor circuit of long range operates by producing infrared light through a transmitter LED. Whenever an object comes in the path of the sensor, a fraction of the IR light is reflected to the receiver photodiode. The reflected signal is amplified, and the comparator is used to convert the signal into a digital signal, which can activate an LED, buzzer, or relay. The applications of such sensors are common in automation, robotics, security systems, obstacle detection, and industrial purposes. This guide will discuss the parts needed, the principle of operation, circuit diagram, step-by-step assembly, as well as problem-solving principles, to assist hobbyists in constructing an effective long-range proximity sensor.
Long-Range IR Proximity Sensor
Non-contact IR sensor for object detection, automation, and security applications.
Advantages of Using IR for Proximity Detection
- Non-contact sensing: Detects objects without touching them.
- Long range: Can detect objects from several meters to tens of meters.
- Fast response: Instantaneous detection.
- Low cost: Uses simple IR LEDs and photodiodes.
- Versatile: Can trigger alarms, lights, or automation circuits.
Components Required for DIY Circuit
- IR LED (High-Power) — 1–2 (Transmitter)
- Photodiode / Phototransistor — 1 (Receiver)
- Operational Amplifier (LM358 / LM324) — 1 (Signal Amplification)
- Comparator IC — 1 (Digital conversion)
- Resistors (1kΩ – 100kΩ) — Multiple (Biasing & current limiting)
- Capacitors (0.1µF – 10µF) — 2–3 (Filtering & stabilization)
- Potentiometer — 1 (Adjust sensitivity)
- Buzzer / LED — 1 (Output indicator)
- Power Supply (5V – 12V DC) — 1
- PCB / Perfboard — 1 (Circuit assembly)
Working Principle
IR Transmitter LED: High-power LED emits IR light toward the object; series resistor limits current.
IR Receiver & Amplifier: Photodiode detects reflected IR; weak signal amplified using op-amp.
Comparator & Output: Amplified signal fed to comparator → digital high/low → triggers buzzer, LED, or relay.
Power Supply: Regulated 5–12V DC; capacitors stabilize voltage and reduce noise.
Sensitivity & Range: Potentiometer adjusts detection threshold; lenses/reflectors can focus beam.
Circuit Diagram Explanation
- IR LED + Series Resistor → Transmitter
- Photodiode + Op-Amp Amplifier → Receiver
- Comparator → Threshold detection
- Output Stage → Buzzer, LED, or relay
- Potentiometer → Sensitivity adjustment
Step-by-Step Construction Guide
- IR Transmitter: Connect IR LED with series resistor; mount for unobstructed emission.
- IR Receiver: Place photodiode; connect to op-amp for signal amplification.
- Comparator & Output: Feed amplified signal to comparator; connect output to buzzer, LED, or relay.
- Sensitivity Adjustment: Adjust potentiometer; test with objects at different distances.
- Power Supply & Testing: Connect regulated DC; test detection and fine-tune sensitivity.
Applications of Long Range IR Sensors
- Robotics obstacle detection
- Security and intruder alarms
- Automated doors and gates
- Industrial machine object detection
- Parking sensors and distance monitoring
- Smart home automation
Troubleshooting Tips
- No detection: Check IR LED polarity and photodiode alignment.
- False triggering: Reduce ambient IR interference; adjust sensitivity.
- Low range: Use higher-power IR LED or lens for focusing beam.
- Comparator output not changing: Check op-amp and comparator wiring.
- Noise in detection: Add supply decoupling capacitors.
