IR Transmitter and Receiver

circuitdigest.com/electronic-circuits/ir-transmitter-and-receiver-circuit

IR Transmitter and IR Receiver are commonly used to control electronic devices

wirelessly, mainly through a remote. TV remotes and AC remotes are the best example of
IR transmitters. TV generally consists of TSOP1738 as the IR receiver, which senses
modulated IR pulses and convert them into electrical signal. Here in our circuit we are
building IR remote and its receiver. We are using IR LED as transmitter and
TSOP1738 as IR receiver.

How does IR LED Work?

IR LED emits infrared light, means it emits light in the range of Infrared frequency. We
cannot see Infrared light through our eyes, they are invisible to human eyes. The
wavelength of Infrared (700nm – 1mm) is just beyond the normal visible light. Everything
which produce heat, emits infrared like our human body. Infrared have the same
properties as visible light, like it can be focused, reflected and polarised like visible light.

Other than emitting invisible infrared light, IR LED looks like a normal LED and also
operates like a normal LED, means it consumes 20mA current and 3vots power. IR LEDs
have light-emitting angle of approx. 20-60 degree and range of approx. few centimetres to
several feets, it depends upon the type of IR transmitter and the manufacturer. Some
transmitters have a range in kilometers.

1/19
IR Receiver (TSOP17XX)
TSOP17XX receives the modulated Infrared waves and changes its output. TSOP is
available in many frequency ranges like TSOP1730, TSOP1738, TSOP1740 etc. Last two
digits represent the frequency (in Khz) of modulated IR rays, on which TSOP responds.
Like for example TSOP1738 reacts when it receives the IR radiation modulated at 38Khz.
Means it detects the IR which is switching On and Off at the rate of 38Khz. TSOP’s
output is active low, means its output is remains HIGH when there is no IR, and becomes
low when it detects IR radiation. TSOP operates on particular frequency so that other IRs
in the environment can’t interfere, except the modulated IR of particular frequency. It has
three pins, Ground, Vs (power), and OUTPUT PIN.

IR Transmitter Circuit Diagram

We are using TSOP1738 as IR receiver, so we need to generate the modulated IR of 38
kHz. You can use any TSOP, but you need to generate IR of respective frequency as
TSOP. So we are using 555 timer in Astable mode to oscillate the IR at 38KHz
frequency. As we know oscillation frequency of 555 timer is decided by resistor R1, R2
and capacitor C1. As you can see in the blow IR Transmitter Circuit We have used 1k
R1, 20K R2 and 1nF capacitor to generate the frequency of approx. 38 KHz. It can be
calculated using this formula: 1.44/((R1+2*R2)*C1).

2/19
Output Pin 3 of the 555 Timer IC has been connected to IR LED using 470 resistor and a
push button switch. Whenever we press the button, circuit emits modulated IR at 38 KHz.
A 100uF capacitor is connected across the supply to provide the constant supply to the
circuit, without any ripple.

IR Receiver Circuit Diagram

IR Receiver circuit is very simple we just need to connect a LED to the output of the
TSOP1738, to test the receiver. We have use BC557 PNP transistor here, to reverse the
effect of TSOP, means whenever the output is HIGH LED will be OFF and whenever it
detects IR and output is low, LED will be ON. PNP transistor behaves opposite to the
NPN transistor, it acts as open switch when a voltage applied to its base and acts as
closed switch when there is no voltage at its base. So normally TSOP output remains
HIGH and Transistor behaves as open switch and LED will be OFF. As soon as TSOP
detects Infrared, its output becomes low and transistor behaves as closed switch and
LED will be ON. As you can see in the below IR receiver circuit A 10k resistor is used
for provide proper biasing to transistor and a 470ohm resistor is used at LED for limiting
the current. So whenever we press the Button at IR transmitter, it is detected by
TSOP1738 and LED will glow.

3/19
We have further modified this circuit by using a relay to operate the AC mains appliances
by an IR remote, in this remote controlled switch circuit. Check out our electronic circuits
section to learn and build more interesting circuits and simple projects.

Video

4/19
Watch Video At: https://youtu.be/g2yD2rZpA7M

IR
IR Remote
IR Transmitter
IR Receiver
IR LED
TSOP1738
555 timer circuit
Have any question realated to this Article?

Ask Our Community Members

WhatsApp

Telegram

Discord

Forum

Comments

5/19
pls help me for my Pro

Hello dear.

bro can you help me to get the code of microC for this project İR Transmitter and reciever
Thank you.
http://circuitdigest.com/electronic-circuits/ir-transmitter-and-receiver-circuit

Log in or register to post comments

Components
The code is as follow :

Option Explicit
Define uC as None

If ((Abukar sees an uC) == True) {

Echo "Houston, we have a problem !"
Echo "Please help Abukar to search for datasheets !"
}

Seriously !

Log in or register to post comments

Diagram

Hi Daniel
Can you help me out with the following please. I need to show a diagram of a receiver of
a door bell. the door bell receiver is supplied with 9 volt battery. when remote is activated
the receiver sends the signal to the Buzzer and the Buzzer make sound.

Thank you buddy

regards
tony

Log in or register to post comments

using Bluetooth not IR

Would it be possible to switch out from IR to some form of Bluetooth remote control?

Log in or register to post comments

This is completely a

This is completely a different circuit, you need to use Bluetooth module with some micro-
controller to achieve this.

6/19
Log in or register to post comments

please replay

can you send this alarm circuit done without using any ic's

Log in or register to post comments

IR Receiver

pls is there any circuit that can produce free energy? If you use up to 20 red led
connected in series. I need the circuit diagram pls help.

Log in or register to post comments

IR sensor not working

Hello Dear
I was trying to work with TSOP1738. I used Attiny85 to generate IR signal. Receiver out
put is fed to a simple transistor that drives a led. When circuit is switched on the receiver
LED lights up for a brief period. The program is given below
void loop() {
for(i=0;i<50;i++){
digitalWrite(0,HIGH);
delayMicroseconds(13);
digitalWrite(0,LOW);
delayMicroseconds(13);
}

delayMicroseconds(500);
}
Pl help me to correct the mistake .

Log in or register to post comments

Sir can use ldr in the

Sir can use ldr in the transmitter section that will power the circuit when dark( means
when there is no light then the circuit will start emitting rays)

Log in or register to post comments

yes, you can use LDR as a

yes, you can use LDR as a switch, which turns on the Circuit in darkness. But for this
purpose instead of using IR sensor, build it with 555 timer like here: Dark and Light
Indicator Circuit

Log in or register to post comments

7/19
nice work sir,
nice work sir,
pls help to make a audio transmitter and receiver above 60m range

Log in or register to post comments

Custom IR transceiver
Hi, I have two wire terminals. I need an IR controlled device to close the circuit (connect
the terminals) ONLY when I command from a remote. How can we do this or how to
modify the above circuitry to achieve this?

Log in or register to post comments

You can use Relay to close

You can use Relay to close the circuit via Remote, check this circuit Remote Controlled
Light Switch

Log in or register to post comments

Hi Abhishek, that's a good

Hi Abhishek, that's a good idea, thanks. I want one improvisation. I need the connection
function like a calling bell arm. The moment I press the remote button, the receiver should
connect and disconnect it when I release the button.Can I not connect the terminals in
place of the LED per the current idea. It connects when remote button is pressed and
disconnects when released?

Log in or register to post comments

This circuit is already

This circuit is already working as per your need.

Log in or register to post comments

IR circuit for jamming a remote controller

Please can you email me a circuit diagram that produces IR signals at 38kHz.I have one
that isn't working.

Log in or register to post comments

Doubt
Sir,
Is it possible to work ir led and tsop using a single power supply?

8/19
Log in or register to post comments

Yes

Yes

Log in or register to post comments

single power supply

Thanks maddy!!
But then how is it possible?
if i want to take the readings of tsop using arduino..
Can u suggest me a circuit in which both the tsop and irled use single powersource and
the readings of tsop is measured by arduino.
I have tried one but once the reflection from irled occurs,the tsop output remail zero even
when there is no reflection on to the tsop.
Please help me..

Log in or register to post comments

if we want to connect the

if we want to connect the output of the receiver circuit to the microcontroller can we
directly do that by connecting just the output pin of the tsop to the microcontroller.

Log in or register to post comments

Use Transistor in between,

Use Transistor in between, like shown here.

Log in or register to post comments

How do we transmit continuous

How do we transmit continuous IR pulses from IR Led without using the push button, but
using the Arduino in place of the push button ?

Log in or register to post comments

sir....!!!instead of decoder
sir....!!!instead of decoder (receiver )we can use microcontroller but how we integrated
transmitter or what type of IC could we use instead of encoder transmitter
that can operated with microcontroller?

Log in or register to post comments

9/19
Leave the Transmitter part as
Leave the Transmitter part as it is, just change the receiver part according to your
requirement.

Log in or register to post comments

howto increase or decrease

howto increase or decrease the ir receiving range in ir receiver using tsop 1738 as i do
not get any other receivers

Log in or register to post comments

You need to increase the

You need to increase the range of Transmitter part, not receiver part. To increase the
range, use convex lens at Tsop or use a powerfull IR LED

Log in or register to post comments

voltage

Really appreciate your work man, thank you. I have only one question, what is the emitor
voltage for the Q1 transistor ?

Log in or register to post comments

Up to how much distance

Up to how much distance between sender and receiver it will work??

Log in or register to post comments

It should work for 10-20 feet

It should work for 10-20 feet, like a simple TV remote.

Log in or register to post comments

In my the LED stays on even

In my the LED stays on even when the transmitter is off

Log in or register to post comments

Check circuit at Receiver

Check circuit at Receiver part, connect transistor BC557 properly.

Log in or register to post comments

10/19
IR transmitters

Help. Anyone know where i can get the IR transmitters mentioned in the article that will
work in the kilometer range? The usual places I order parts (Mouser, Digikey,etc) doesn't
have anything close.

Log in or register to post comments

Sir, as per circuit diagram

Sir, as per circuit diagram if press button prsent in transmitter circuit then IR led will glow
and it will detected at IR receiver. But if i have multiple buttons at transmitter (e.g. matrix
keyboard) then how can differentiate one button from another. Can is it possible to
trasmitte addree of perticular button through IR Transreceiver ?

Log in or register to post comments

Yes you can decode the input

Yes you can decode the input from IR remote (tv/dvd remote), and can set the different
functions on different button Press using some microcontroller, check this one: IR Remote
Controlled Home Automation using Arduino

Log in or register to post comments

Doubt on IR based TSOP

What is the maximum operable distance for this device to work efficiently?

Log in or register to post comments

15-20 feet.
15-20 feet.

Log in or register to post comments

How I can transmit a HEX code ?

If I require to transmit this code 0x25FC without microcontroller what I have to change or
add to the transmitt circuit?

Log in or register to post comments

Use microcontroller, check

Use microcontroller, check this project to find out the IR Remote Hex code: Universal IR
Remote Control using Arduino

Log in or register to post comments

11/19
doubt in this article

why the led is blinking uneccessarily before giving the ir trigger in the receiver circuit

Log in or register to post comments

help me

Im not understand well about pnp transistor or npn?

why if it is pnp transistor,why collector is in positive way? explain me plse if in this circyit
we must reverse a transistor.

Log in or register to post comments

Circuit is correct, PNP

Circuit is correct, PNP transistor is used here because normally TSOP output remains
HIGH and when it detects IR, the output becomes Low. This is clearly explained in the
article.

Log in or register to post comments

capacitor

Hello dear,
Can anyone tell me why we use capacitor in TSOP circuit

Log in or register to post comments

out of receiver

Hello sir
I have a problem regarding the receiver I use sliding switch instead of tact switch but
when I switch on the transmitter for very long the led of the ir receiver will only stay for
about 1 second how can i fix this?

Log in or register to post comments

anyone can you please tell me

anyone can you please tell me... the capacitor c1 of 1uF in the above ir receiver circuit is
used for what purposed???

Log in or register to post comments

@Dheeraj @d. kupar: C1 is

@Dheeraj @d. kupar: C1 is connected in receiver circuit for the same reason as we
connected C3 100uF in Trasnmitter across the supply, to provide the constant supply
without any ripple.

12/19
Log in or register to post comments

IR Receiver

Hello creator, good job

Just please correct the wiring of the receiver part. The junction points are missing and the
Q1 emitter is on the wrong side, connected this way, it will not work. Emitter to +5V,
Collector to R2 ;-)

Log in or register to post comments

Circuit Diagram is correct

Circuit Diagram is correct and its a PNP transistor.

Log in or register to post comments

Sorry Maddy, it is really

Sorry Maddy, it is really wrong.

PNP-transistor: the Emitter is connected to a more positiv voltage than the Collector
NPN-transistor the Collector is connected to a more positiv voltage than the Emitter
see also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_junction_transistor
Regards
Bernd

Log in or register to post comments

PNP transistor connection

Maddy, are you sure? I agree with Bernd, it looks back-to-front. If the circuit is correct,
could you explain how any current can ever flow through the transistor, please? With
respect, I don't think the article is clear on this point.
Thanks, John

Log in or register to post comments

too excellent
Really it is too useful for all students

Log in or register to post comments

ir receiver and transmitter circuit

I love this job

but I have a question

Log in or register to post comments

13/19
led

I have a device which used to scan invisible bar code. But now its not working at night but
works day time. What's the problem. I can send its image if you please feel to help me
out. Pls

Log in or register to post comments

working in other cases

do the circuit works perfectly at strong sunlight? i want a ir transmitter and receiver which
works at sunlight ,so can u please refer me some other circuits....

Log in or register to post comments

Yes IR sensor get affected

Yes IR sensor get affected with sunlight, what kind of circuit do you want to build, we have
lot of wireless circuits, just do search.

Log in or register to post comments

i have problem please reply me///ypur some code missing please

i have problem please help me,,,,,your some code delete please reply me my email
address

Log in or register to post comments

If I were to have multiple

If I were to have multiple transmitters with receivers in the same room all using the
TSOP17xx's as receivers at different frequencies, do you think they would cross-talk? Are
the frequencies too close together? I see a 30, 33, 36, 38, 40 and 56 kHz. Looking
forward to using this for a fun project.

Log in or register to post comments

Yes they may interfere with

Yes they may interfere with each other, also check this project if you are interested in
decoding IR signal of Remote: IR Remote Controlled Home Automation using Arduino

Log in or register to post comments

Can we use multiple switches

Can we use multiple switches from this circuit? If yes,then please mention tye circuit
diagram.

14/19
Log in or register to post comments

You should use

You should use microcontroller for multiple switches: IR Remote Controlled Home
Automation using Arduino

Log in or register to post comments

IR sensor
A friend gave a sat decoder. This decoder doesnt have a ir sensor insted it has a port
named Display IR. how does it work, and can i fix an IR reciver?

Log in or register to post comments

IN IR RECEIVER CKT THE

IN IR RECEIVER CKT THE TRANSISTER CAN BE REMOVE BY USING OPPOSITE

POLARITY OF LED

Log in or register to post comments

Hi, i have a tsop4838

Hi, i have a tsop4838 receiver and a 6v supply and i want to use it to not blink a led but
any switch other 6v device or a relais when i want to switch a separate powersupply.
It only has to respond when the reciever receives. it doesnt have to stay switched on or
off.

So basically use it as a remote switch that only works when a button is pressed.

Log in or register to post comments

Check this one: Remote

Check this one: Remote Controlled Light Switch

Log in or register to post comments

If i put an LED in series with ir led, should the LED flash at a frequency of 38khz?

Log in or register to post comments

It will flash but our eye can

It will flash but our eye can not detect this high frequency so LED will be appeared to be
continuously glowing.

Log in or register to post comments

15/19
transmitter and receiver

greetings m doing a mini project for opto electronics ,the project requires me to build a
transmitter and receiver using a 555 timer,2* 120 ohm resistors,photo LED and TEPT
5600 photo transistor.
your help will be much appreciated.

Log in or register to post comments

ir reciver to driver relay

i want to make a IR receiver to drive a relay.
i want to make similar IR receivers to drive different relays when different IR signals are
given to it.
my budget is around so low. can you please help me?

Log in or register to post comments

hi there.

this is such a great works.and i want to ask, how can i do to increase the frequency from
38kHz to reach up to 300GHz? is it possible to do that?your help will be much
appreciated.tq

Log in or register to post comments

TSOP for receiving IR of

TSOP for receiving IR of 300Ghz might not be available.

Log in or register to post comments

What if I've to use multiple

What if I've to use multiple transmitters and a single receiver using Arduino? How do we
encode the IR LED output such that we can decide the codes at the receiver part by
Arduino?

Log in or register to post comments

I used tsop38238 receiver and

I used tsop38238 receiver and an arduino to check the receiver output(on serial monitor)
using irRemote library. Each time the push button is pressed , different outputs were
displayed. Why is it so?(Isn't it supposed to give the same pattern?).

Log in or register to post comments

extend distance

16/19
Please send me long distance ir circuit diagram

Log in or register to post comments

line follower robot

Is it possible to use this circuit for a line follower robot?

Log in or register to post comments

In Line followers, photo

In Line followers, photo diode is used to receive IR instead of TSOP, check this
project: Line Follower Robot using Arduino

Log in or register to post comments

ir transmitter distance

Hi, is there a way to amplify the IR led transmitter so that I can place the IR receiver(e.g
TSOP17XX ) 2-3 meters apart from the IR led?

Log in or register to post comments

Please read the previous

Please read the previous comments before asking, your question might has been already
answered.

Log in or register to post comments

Infra red bean counters

Hi...
Ur project lks osm
Can u please help me find where I can get a similar bread board presentation for ir
people counter prepared using non programmable ic's please

Log in or register to post comments

Hi, I want to ask.

Hi, I want to ask.
What simulation software you used in to create that IR tx/rx circuit? I have a problem
when create in proteus. There is no component name TSOP1738.
Where can I get that component? Thanks

Log in or register to post comments

ir receiver

17/19
can we use bc547 instead of bc557?

Log in or register to post comments

distance measurement
How can I use IR sensor as distance measurement ?

Log in or register to post comments

can we decrease the distance

can we decrease the distance between the sender and reciever about 1feet. tell me how
can i do that

Log in or register to post comments

One question is rising!

If anybody wants to operate a relay in the receiver what would be the circuit then?

Log in or register to post comments

multiple TSOP
Hi
It is possible to use multiple TSOP in this circuit. If yes, how?

Log in or register to post comments

clarifications needed
Sir
Please i need a little clarification
How do i identify thy positive and negative sides of an op-amp
2-I know the ADC converts analog to digital signals on a PCB but i will love to know how
the ADC actually relates with the input and output electrical components on an optical
transceiver,on an optical receiver and on a transimpedance pcb
3-Can i use a UART/USART in conjuction with the op-amps in an optical receiver pcb
Kindly shed some light on this because most writs dont tell us how this actually relate on
the pcn

Log in or register to post comments

After pressing the switch the

After pressing the switch the LED blinks and stops even the button is being pressed.Can
we make the LED on continuously by keeping the button pressed on?

18/19
Log in or register to post comments

use a latching circuit

You can keep the LED turned on by using a simple latching circuit, if you need more
information check this out https://circuitdigest.com/electronic-circuits/simple-latch-circuit-
diag…

Log in or register to post comments

Hi,

Hi,

Just new to circuit digest. Wanting to build an IR 'fire and detect' circuit for an RC tank
(tank fire and stationary or other tank detect). Searches led me to the article 'How to build
an IR Transmitter and Receiver circuit using 555 timer'.

Will this do the job? What would the range be?

Thanks for any advice.

Tim

Log in or register to post comments

Log in or register to post comments

19/19