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Digital IR 38KHz Infrared Transmitter Module

SKU: FA3044-1
Emitter Type

Infrared LED with onboard driver
Peak Wavelength

940nm
Carrier Frequency

38kHz (optimized)
Operating Voltage

3.3V – 5V DC
Forward Current

~20mA (typical)
Pin Count

3 pins (VCC, GND, DAT)
Driver Type

Onboard transistor
Module Dimensions

Compact PCB with mounting holes

The Digital IR 38kHz Infrared Transmitter Module is a compact, ready-to-use infrared emitter board designed for Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, STM32, and other microcontroller projects. Unlike bare IR LED modules that require external driver circuitry, this module includes an onboard transistor driver and current-limiting resistor, allowing it to be controlled directly from a microcontroller’s digital pin. It transmits infrared signals at the standard 38kHz carrier frequency, making it compatible with the vast ecosystem of consumer IR remote protocols (NEC, RC5, RC6, Sony SIRC, etc.).

At the heart of the module is a high-output infrared LED that emits light at approximately 940nm — invisible to the human eye but easily detected by IR receivers. The onboard driver circuit amplifies the microcontroller’s signal to drive the IR LED at the required current, ensuring reliable transmission without overloading the MCU’s output pin. The 38kHz modulation is generated by the microcontroller’s PWM output or by the IRremote library, which handles the carrier frequency and protocol encoding automatically.

The module features a 3-pin interface (VCC, GND, DAT) for simple connection to microcontrollers. The DAT pin accepts a digital or PWM signal, switching the IR LED on and off at the desired frequency. The compact form factor with mounting holes allows easy integration into custom remote controls, IR blasters, and communication devices. An LED indicator (on some variants) provides visual feedback when the module is transmitting.

The module operates from a 3.3V to 5V DC supply, making it compatible with both modern low-power microcontrollers and traditional 5V systems. The onboard driver ensures consistent IR output power regardless of the microcontroller’s drive strength. The low power consumption makes it suitable for battery-powered IR remote projects.

The Digital IR 38kHz Infrared Transmitter Module is widely used in IR remote control emulators, universal remote projects, IR communication links, object detection (with IR receiver), proximity sensing, obstacle avoidance robots, home automation, and educational STEM projects. It is also popular in DIY electronics and maker projects where infrared transmission is required.

Important Note: This module is an IR transmitter only — it does not include a receiver. To detect IR signals, you need a separate IR receiver module (such as the KY-022 or TSOP38238). The IR LED is invisible to the human eye — you cannot see the light it emits, but it can be viewed through a digital camera or phone camera. The module is not waterproof and should be kept dry. For reliable IR communication, align the transmitter and receiver with a clear line of sight and avoid strong ambient light sources.

Whether you are building a custom remote control, an IR communication system, or an object detection project, the Digital IR 38kHz Infrared Transmitter Module provides a reliable, affordable solution for infrared transmission with built-in driver circuitry. It is suitable for individual makers, students, and businesses purchasing in bulk for product development or educational programs.

Features

  • Onboard transistor driver — Direct connection to microcontroller without external components

  • 38kHz carrier frequency — Compatible with standard consumer IR remote protocols

  • 940nm infrared LED — Invisible IR emission for remote control and communication

  • 3-pin interface — VCC, GND, DAT for simple connection

  • Wide voltage range — 3.3V to 5V DC, compatible with Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi

  • PWM compatible — Accepts 38kHz modulation from microcontroller

  • Current-limiting resistor onboard — Protects the IR LED from overcurrent

  • Compact form factor — With mounting holes for easy integration

  • Wide application range — IR remote emulation, communication, object detection, home automation

  • Cost-effective — Affordable solution for IR transmission in volume production

Technical Specifications 

# Parameter Specification
1 Emitter Type Infrared LED with onboard driver
2 Peak Wavelength 940nm
3 Carrier Frequency 38kHz (optimized)
4 Operating Voltage 3.3V – 5V DC
5 Forward Current ~20mA (typical)
6 Pin Count 3 pins (VCC, GND, DAT)
7 Driver Type Onboard transistor
8 Module Dimensions Compact PCB with mounting holes

Usage

Getting Started

  1. Connect power — Supply 3.3V or 5V DC to the VCC pin and GND to ground.

  2. Connect the data pin — Connect the DAT pin to a digital or PWM output on your microcontroller (e.g., D3 on Arduino).

  3. Install the library — Install the IRremote library through the Arduino Library Manager for sending IR codes.

  4. Upload a test sketch — Use an IR sending example to transmit a known code (e.g., NEC protocol).

  5. Verify with an IR receiver — Use a separate IR receiver module (KY-022 or TSOP38238) connected to another Arduino or the same board to verify the transmitted signal.

  6. Implement your application — Send IR codes to control TVs, air conditioners, or build custom IR communication protocols.

Pin Connections

Module Pin Function
VCC Power (3.3V–5V)
GND Ground
DAT Data input (IR modulation signal)

Example Arduino Code (Send NEC IR Code)

cpp
#include <IRremote.h>

IRsend irsend;

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

void loop() {
  // Send NEC code 0x00FF6897 (example)
  irsend.sendNEC(0x00FF6897, 32);
  Serial.println("IR Code Sent");
  delay(2000);
}

Typical Applications

  • IR remote control emulators — Control TVs, air conditioners, and stereos

  • Universal remote projects — Send multiple device codes

  • IR communication links — Transmit data between microcontrollers

  • Object detection — Pair with IR receiver for proximity sensing

  • Obstacle avoidance robots — IR-based distance detection

  • Home automation — Control IR-enabled appliances

  • Educational STEM projects — Teaching infrared communication principles

Notes for Business Buyers

  • Transmitter only — Requires a separate IR receiver module for detection.

  • Onboard driver — Simplifies integration by eliminating external components.

  • 38kHz optimized — Matches standard consumer IR remote protocols.

  • Suitable for bulk purchasing — Ideal for remote control manufacturers, educational kit suppliers, and product developers.

Q: What is the Digital IR 38kHz Infrared Transmitter Module used for?

It is an IR transmitter module for sending infrared signals, used in remote control emulators, IR communication links, and object detection projects.

Q: Does this module include an IR receiver?

No. This is an IR transmitter only. To detect IR signals, you need a separate IR receiver module such as the KY-022 or TSOP38238.

Q: What is the advantage of the onboard driver?

The onboard transistor driver amplifies the microcontroller’s signal to drive the IR LED at the required current, ensuring reliable transmission without overloading the MCU’s output pin.

Q: Can I see the infrared light emitted by this module?

No. The 940nm infrared light is invisible to the human eye. You can view it through a digital camera or smartphone camera (the IR LED will appear as a faint purple or white glow).

Q: What voltage does the module require?

It operates from 3.3V to 5V DC, making it compatible with Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, and other microcontrollers.

Q: What is the carrier frequency?

The module is optimized for 38kHz, the standard carrier frequency for most consumer IR remote controls (NEC, RC5, Sony SIRC, etc.).

Q: What library should I use for IR transmission?

Use the IRremote library, available through the Arduino Library Manager. It supports NEC, RC5, RC6, Sony, and other common protocols.

Q: What is the forward current of the IR LED?

The typical forward current is 20mA, limited by the onboard resistor to protect the LED.

Q: Can I use this module with an Arduino?

Yes. Connect VCC to 5V, GND to GND, and DAT to a digital pin (e.g., D3). Use the IRremote library to send codes.

Q: Can I purchase in bulk for a product development project?

Yes. This module is suitable for both individual users and business purchasing, including remote control manufacturers, educational kit suppliers, and product developers.

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