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KY-005 Infrared IR Transmitter Sensor Module for Arduino (38KHz)

SKU: FA3044
Module Model

KY-005
Emitter Type

Infrared LED
Peak Wavelength

940nm
Carrier Frequency

38kHz (optimized)
Operating Voltage

3.3V – 5V DC
Forward Current

~20mA (typical)
Pin Count

3 pins (VCC, GND, DAT)
Module Dimensions

Compact PCB with mounting holes

The KY-005 Infrared IR Transmitter Sensor Module is a compact, low-cost infrared emitter board designed for Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, STM32, and other microcontroller projects. Built around a 38kHz infrared LED, this module transmits infrared signals that can be received by IR receivers (such as the KY-022 or TSOP38238) to create remote control emulators, IR communication links, proximity sensors, and object detection systems. It is an ideal component for learning infrared communication and building custom remote control projects.

At the heart of the module is an infrared LED that emits light at approximately 940nm, which is invisible to the human eye but easily detected by IR receivers. The LED is optimized for 38kHz modulation, the standard carrier frequency used by most consumer IR remote controls (NEC, RC5, Sony SIRC, etc.). When driven by a microcontroller’s PWM output at 38kHz, the module can transmit encoded IR signals that mimic commercial remote controls — allowing you to control TVs, air conditioners, stereos, and other appliances.

The module features a 3-pin interface (VCC, GND, DAT) for easy connection to microcontrollers. The DAT pin accepts a digital or PWM signal from your microcontroller, which switches 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.

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 low power consumption makes it suitable for battery-powered IR remote projects. The forward current is typically 20mA, with a peak wavelength of 940nm.

The KY-005 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: The KY-005 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 KY-005 Infrared IR Transmitter Sensor Module provides a reliable, affordable solution for infrared transmission. It is suitable for individual makers, students, and businesses purchasing in bulk for product development or educational programs.

Features

  • 38kHz infrared LED — Optimized for standard consumer IR remote protocols

  • 940nm wavelength — 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

  • Low power consumption — Suitable for battery-powered projects

  • Compact form factor — With mounting holes for easy integration

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

  • Compatible with common IR libraries — Works with IRremote and similar Arduino libraries

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

Technical Specifications 

# Parameter Specification
1 Module Model KY-005
2 Emitter Type Infrared LED
3 Peak Wavelength 940nm
4 Carrier Frequency 38kHz (optimized)
5 Operating Voltage 3.3V – 5V DC
6 Forward Current ~20mA (typical)
7 Pin Count 3 pins (VCC, GND, DAT)
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.

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

  • Simple interface — Single data pin connects directly to any microcontroller.

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

Q: What is the KY-005 Infrared IR Transmitter Sensor 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. The KY-005 is an IR transmitter only. To detect IR signals, you need a separate IR receiver module such as the KY-022 or TSOP38238.

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. For higher power output, you can pulse the LED at higher currents with a suitable driver circuit.

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: What is the range of the IR transmitter?

The range depends on the LED power and receiver sensitivity. Typically, it can transmit 5–10 meters in a clear line of sight.

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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