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38KHz Digital Infrared Receiver Module (IR-RX)

SKU: FA3045-1
Module Type

38kHz infrared receiver module
Receiver IC

TSOP1838 / VS1838B (or equivalent)
Carrier Frequency

38kHz
Operating Voltage

3.3V – 5V DC
Output Type

Digital (LOW when IR detected)
Reception Angle

±45° (typical)
Reception Distance

Up to 18 meters (depending on transmitter)
Pin Count

3 pins (VCC, GND, OUT)

The 38KHz Digital Infrared Receiver Module (IR-RX) is a compact, ready-to-use infrared receiver board designed for Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, STM32, and other microcontroller projects. Built around a 38kHz infrared receiver IC (typically the TSOP1838, VS1838B, or equivalent), this module detects infrared signals from remote controls, IR transmitters, and other sources, providing a clean digital output for decoding remote control commands and building IR communication systems. It is an essential component for any project involving infrared remote control or IR-based communication.

At the heart of the module is a 38kHz infrared receiver that demodulates incoming IR signals. The receiver integrates a photodiode, preamplifier, automatic gain control (AGC) , and band-pass filter tuned to the 38kHz carrier frequency. This integrated design filters out ambient light interference (such as sunlight and fluorescent lighting) and provides a clean digital output that directly represents the modulated IR signal — no external demodulation circuitry required.

The module features a 3-pin interface (VCC, GND, OUT) for easy connection to microcontrollers. The OUT pin provides a digital signal that goes LOW when a 38kHz IR signal is detected and HIGH when no signal is present. This output can be connected directly to a digital input pin or interrupt pin on your microcontroller, allowing you to decode IR remote control protocols (NEC, RC5, RC6, Sony SIRC, etc.) using the IRremote library or similar. An LED indicator provides visual feedback when IR signals are detected, making it easy to verify operation during setup and troubleshooting.

The compact form factor with mounting holes allows easy integration into custom remote control receivers, IR repeaters, and communication devices. The module includes onboard filtering to reduce noise and improve signal reliability. The metal shield (on some variants) provides additional protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and ambient light.

The IR-RX module operates from a 3.3V to 5V DC supply, making it compatible with both modern low-power microcontrollers and traditional 5V systems. The low power consumption makes it suitable for battery-powered IR receiver projects. The reception angle is typically ±45°, and the reception distance is up to 18 meters depending on the transmitter power and ambient conditions.

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

Important Note: This module is an IR receiver only — it does not include a transmitter. To transmit IR signals, you need a separate IR transmitter module (such as the KY-005 or a digital IR 38kHz transmitter). The receiver is tuned to 38kHz — it will not work reliably with IR signals at other carrier frequencies. 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, especially direct sunlight and fluorescent lights.

Whether you are building a custom remote control receiver, an IR communication system, or an object detection project, the 38KHz Digital Infrared Receiver Module (IR-RX) provides a reliable, affordable solution for infrared reception. It is suitable for individual makers, students, and businesses purchasing in bulk for product development or educational programs.

Features

  • 38kHz infrared receiver — Integrated photodiode, preamplifier, AGC, and band-pass filter

  • Clean digital output — Directly represents the modulated IR signal

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

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

  • Ambient light immunity — Built-in filter rejects sunlight and fluorescent interference

  • Interrupt-friendly output — Suitable for IR protocol decoding

  • LED indicator — Visual feedback when IR signals are detected

  • Metal shield (some variants) — Additional protection against EMI and ambient light

  • Compact form factor — With mounting holes for easy integration

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

Technical Specifications 

# Parameter Specification
1 Module Type 38kHz infrared receiver module
2 Receiver IC TSOP1838 / VS1838B (or equivalent)
3 Carrier Frequency 38kHz
4 Operating Voltage 3.3V – 5V DC
5 Output Type Digital (LOW when IR detected)
6 Reception Angle ±45° (typical)
7 Reception Distance Up to 18 meters (depending on transmitter)
8 Pin Count 3 pins (VCC, GND, OUT)

Usage

Getting Started

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

  2. Connect the output — Connect the OUT pin to a digital input or interrupt pin on your microcontroller (e.g., D2 on Arduino).

  3. Install the library — Install the IRremote library through the Arduino Library Manager for decoding IR protocols.

  4. Upload a test sketch — Use an IR receiving example to decode signals from a remote control.

  5. Point a remote control — Aim a standard IR remote at the receiver and observe the decoded values in the Serial Monitor.

  6. Implement your application — Use the decoded IR codes to control devices, trigger actions, or build custom IR communication protocols.

Pin Connections

Module Pin Function
VCC Power (3.3V–5V)
GND Ground
OUT Digital output (LOW when 38kHz IR detected)

Example Arduino Code (Decode IR Remote)

cpp
#include <IRremote.h>

#define IR_RECEIVE_PIN 2

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  IrReceiver.begin(IR_RECEIVE_PIN, ENABLE_LED_FEEDBACK);
  Serial.println("IR Receiver Ready");
}

void loop() {
  if (IrReceiver.decode()) {
    Serial.print("Protocol: ");
    Serial.print(IrReceiver.decodedIRData.protocol);
    Serial.print("  Code: 0x");
    Serial.println(IrReceiver.decodedIRData.command, HEX);
    IrReceiver.resume();
  }
  delay(100);
}

Typical Applications

  • IR remote control receivers — Decode signals from TVs, air conditioners, and stereos

  • Universal remote projects — Learn and replay IR codes

  • IR communication links — Receive data from IR transmitter modules

  • Object detection — Pair with IR transmitter for proximity sensing

  • Obstacle avoidance robots — IR-based distance detection

  • Home automation — Receive commands from IR remotes

  • Educational STEM projects — Teaching infrared communication principles

Notes for Business Buyers

  • Receiver only — Requires a separate IR transmitter module for transmission.

  • 38kHz tuned — Optimized for standard consumer IR remote protocols.

  • Simple interface — Single digital output connects directly to any microcontroller.

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

Q: What is the 38KHz Digital Infrared Receiver Module used for?

It is an IR receiver module for detecting and decoding infrared signals from remote controls and IR transmitters, used in remote control receivers, IR communication links, and object detection projects.

Q: Does this module include an IR transmitter?

No. This is an IR receiver only. To transmit IR signals, you need a separate IR transmitter module such as the KY-005 or a digital IR 38kHz transmitter.

Q: What is the carrier frequency?

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

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 output logic?

The OUT pin is LOW when a 38kHz IR signal is detected and HIGH when no signal is present.

Q: What library should I use for IR reception?

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

Q: Can I use this module with a Raspberry Pi?

Yes. Connect VCC to 3.3V, GND to GND, and OUT to a GPIO pin. Use a Python IR library (such as lirc or pigpio) for decoding.

Q: What is the reception distance and angle?

The reception distance is up to 18 meters (depending on the transmitter power and ambient conditions). The reception angle is typically ±45°.

Q: Is the module affected by sunlight?

The receiver includes ambient light filtering to reject sunlight and fluorescent interference, but very strong direct sunlight may still reduce sensitivity. Avoid direct sunlight for best results.

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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