BeamIR

Where To Purchase

BeamIR is not currently listed in our store. However, it can be purchased as a pair (Rx+Tx) of modules or individually (Rx or Tx) via special request.

BeamIR is comprised of twin modules, one for Tx and the other for Rx. It is also possible to use the Tx module as a 38kHz IR transmitter and the Rx module as a general purpose 38kHz IR receiver.

Data Sheet

The data sheet can be found by clicking here

Applications

BeamIR, the Advanced Infrared Light Barrier modules can be used in the following:

• Light Barriers
• Security projects
• Lap Timers
• Laser Tag – invisible trip wire
• Photography
• Photo Interrupter
• Reflective sensors for hand dryers, towel or soap
• Dispensers, water faucets, toilet flush
• Vending machine fall detection
• Virtual ‘fence’
• Homing IR Beacons
• CNC wireless Probes
• Security and pet gates
• Person or object vicinity activation

BeamIR can be used in both 'beam mode' where the 2 modules are placed at either end of the invisible beam and in 'reflective mode' where the IR is bounced or reflected off a target and both modules are placed side by side facing the target.

BeamIRrx Pin Out

The header pins for the Rx module are laid out as follows:

• VCC +ve supply power 5V
• GND -ve supply power Ground / 0V
• OUT IR out signal directly from the IR receiver (inverted logic)
• OUT2 The inverse of OUT (thus bringing the signal back to normal logic).
• TP2 Test Point 2 (Internal use only), please ignore unless provided with specific instructions.
• TP1 Test Point 1 (Internal use only), please ignore unless provided with specific instructions.
• VCC +ve supply power 5V
• GND -ve supply power Ground / 0V
• OC Open collector output for driving loads (Note 1)

Note 1: The OC output pin the at the collector of an NPN transistor whose base is driven by the OUT2 signal. The emitter of the NPN is connected directly to ground.

BeamIRtx Pin Out

The header pins for the Tx module are laid out as follows:

• P2 The P2 Header contains the following 6 pins....
  • VCC +ve supply power 5V, on the PWR header
  • GND -ve supply power Ground / 0V, on the PWR header
  • Pulse Set to HIGH(VCC) to turn off the beam. Set to LOW or Floating to enable the beam.
  • PWM1-4 4 independently driven 38kHz square waves (Carrier/PWM).
• JP1 When inserted at 5V position, both LEDs are active. When inserted at 3V3 position, Only 1 IR LED is active(D3, D2 is inactive).
• JP2 Programmable IR Power Header. Insert 1 Jumper to double the IR Power. Insert both Jumpers to triple the IR Power.
• C4 Optionally, install an additional TH capacitor here, if you are driving at very high power or using very long power leads.
• R10 Optionally, install a custom TH resistor here, to achieve particular IR POWER LEVELS/Range. If using less than 10R, please contact us to discuss.

Basic Functionality

Whne a Tx & Rx module are configured correctly and operational the outputs will be as follows:

IR Beam not broken

• OUT => Logic LOW (Close to 0V)
• OUT2 => Logic HIGH (Close to VCC, via pull-up resistor)
• OC => Open Collector, shorted to GND via NPN/CE (Driven by OUT2)
• Red LED => ON

IR Beam broken

• OUT => Logic High(Close to VCC)
• OUT2 => Logic LOW(Close to GND, via NPN/CE)
• OC => Open Collector, Open & connected to NPN collector, which is 'turned off'
• Red LED => OFF

Range

The effective range of BeamIR can be from 1m to 20m+ depending on the IR Power setting and ambient lighting. However, it is important to note:

• The further the range the wider the IR Beam, So it may help to reduce the beam width, by using an opaque pipe for direction.
• Sunshine can interfere with IR transmission. The carrier frequency helps mitigate errors due to sunshine. Pulsing the Tx module at say 600uSecs can help distinguish between valid beam signals and interference.
• If sunshine is a factor, placing the receiver unit on the side pointing away from the Sun, will help.
• Much longer ranges and narrower beams can be achieved by the use Optics/lenses to focus the beam.

Configurations

It is possible to use BeamIR in various configurations

• 5V or 3V3 mode
• x1, x2, x3 or custom IR Power
• As a 38kHz IR emitter (Tx Module)
• As a general purpose IR receiver (Rc Module). Excellent performance across multiple IR protocols & carrier Frequencies.
• Using Logic Lever or OC output.
• Multiple Rx modules with a single tx module
• Combination of multiple Tx & Rx modules (e.g. virtual fence enclosing an area)
• With optics and/or shielding (Pipes/light barriers) to improve range & performance.

Getting Support

If you need additional support please open a new issue in our IRforum - under Products:Support Requests.

More Information

If...

• There is a topic not covered here or
• You would like us to add some more information or
• You have a tip to add or
• you have noticed a mistake

then let us know via the contact page