Infrared sensors are commonly used to measure distance and proximity of objects. As there is no contact and no visible light these sensors are an unobtrusive way to detect obstacles.
Range finding sensors use a beam of infrared light to determine the distance from the sensor to the object. Ideally suited to indoor use these sensors often include compensation for infrared interference from other sources like the sun and indoor lights although direct sun outdoors can be a challenge.
Proximity infrared sensors also emit a beam of infrared light but use the level of reflected light to determine if an object is within a range or not. They indicate yes or no, rather than how far.
Other infrared sensors can detect infrared light as a measure of temperature, PIR sensors include extra logic to detect motion and infrared signal receivers know what your television remote is up to.
Code: SKU-005315
pitch × sensors size (mm) output max current optimal range LED board 8 mm × 16 125.0 × 16.5 analogue 3.5 mA 34 mA 10 mm This array of IR LED/phototransistor pairs is great for precisely identifying changes in reflectance (like line detection). More Details...
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Code: SEN-10074
The GP2Y0A51SK0F is the shortest-range Sharp analogue distance sensor Polou carry, featuring a detection range of 2 cm to 15 cm. The shorter range gives you higher resolution measurements, and the low minimum detection distance makes this sensor great for detecting very close objects. More Details...
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Code: SEN-10013
This digital infrared distance sensor GP2Y0D810Z0F is Sharp's smallest and fastest distance sensor and is combined here with Pololu's carrier board which has all the circuitry to enable the sensor to be wired up to a microcontroller. Ideal as a non-contact bumper switch the sensor detects from 2 ... More Details...
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Code: SKU-002512
This small digital distance sensor detects objects between 2 cm and 10 cm (0.8″ and 4″) away. With its quick response time, small size, and low current draw, this sensor is a good choice for non-contact object detection. More Details...
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Code: SKU-005003
It’s time to say hip hip array for this IR Breakout! The MLX90640 SparkFun IR Array Breakout is equipped with a 32x24 array of thermopile sensors creating, in essence, a low resolution thermal imaging camera. More Details...
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Code: SKU-002157
The SparkFun Line Follower Array is a long board consisting of eight IR sensors that have been configured to read as digital bits! We have designed the SparkFun Line Follower Arrays to follow a dark line of about ¾ inch width or smaller (spray paint or electrical tape) on a light background. More Details...
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Code: SKU-000422
This version of the QRE1113 breakout board features an easy-to-use analogue output, which will vary depending on the amount of IR light reflected back to the sensor. This tiny board is perfect for line sensing applications and can be used in both 3.3V and 5V systems. More Details...
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Code: SKU-001127
The Line Follower sensor is an add-on for your RedBot that gives your robot the ability to detect lines or nearby objects. The sensor works by detecting reflected light coming from its own infrared LED. More Details...
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Code: SKU-001846
This is the SparkFun “Time-of-Flight” Range Finder, a sensor board for the VL6180 distance sensor. Unlike most distance sensors that rely on reflected light intensity or reflected angles to determine range, the VL6180 uses a precise clock to measure the time it takes light to bounce back from a s... More Details...
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Code: SKU-002415
The Vishay TSOP34156 is a general-purpose modulated IR receiver for IR-based remote-control projects. It features a wide operating voltage range and allows for relatively high data rates; this particular unit is tuned for a 56 kHz carrier frequency. More Details...
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