shop/ proximity-presence/ adafruit ir break beam sensor 5mm

Add Infrared Detection to Your Next Project

The IR Break Beam Sensor 5mm LEDs is an infrared proximity sensor designed for obstacle detection, touchless triggers, object counting, and simple automation. It is a practical fit for makers, students, and engineers who want reliable sensor data in embedded builds.

Key details include Power Voltage: 3.3 - 5.5VDC; Output Current Capability of receiver: 100mA sink.

Why you’ll love it

  • Controller output: 100mA sink
  • Power range: 3.3 - 5.5VDC
  • Current draw: 10mA @ 3.3V, 20mA @ 5V
  • Compact size: 20mm x 10mm x 8mm / 0.8" x 0.4" x 0.3"
  • Sensor size: 250mm / 10"
  • Useful spec: <2 ms

Compare with similar products

Product Sensor style Standout
IR Break Beam Sensor 5mm LEDs infrared proximity sensor Current item
Distance Sensor 10-80cm GP2Y0A21YK0F Sharp infrared distance sensor with digital output adjustable sensing range, infrared sensing
Motion PIR Sensor Gravity proximity presence sensor module with digital output infrared sensing
PIR Motion Sensor Module Digital HC-SR501 proximity presence sensor module with digital output digital output

What you can build

This sensor is a good fit for robot obstacle avoidance, touchless dispensers, automatic doors, object counters, parking aids, and level alarms.

Starter bundles

Pair it with an Arduino-compatible board, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi, plus a breadboard and jumper wires for quick setup and testing.

Recommended add-ons

Useful add-ons include a microcontroller board, jumper wires, and pull-up or pull-down support when needed, depending on how you plan to power, mount, and log the sensor.

Technical specifications

Product IR Break Beam Sensor 5mm LEDs
Output Current Capability of receiver 100mA sink
Power Voltage 3.3 - 5.5VDC
Emitter Current Draw 10mA @ 3.3V, 20mA @ 5V
Dimensions 20mm x 10mm x 8mm / 0.8" x 0.4" x 0.3"
Cable Length 250mm / 10"
Response Time <2 ms
Sensing Distance Approx 25cm / 10"
Weight (of each half) 3g

Wiring & usage notes

Connect power and ground, then wire the output pin to a digital GPIO input. Check whether the module uses active-high or active-low logic in your code.

What’s in the box

1 × IR Break Beam Sensor 5mm LEDs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the IR Break Beam Sensor 5mm LEDs measure? It is designed to measure light, reflection, or beam interruption.
Can I use it with Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi? Yes. It is well suited for common maker and embedded platforms, as long as you power it at the correct voltage and match the signal level to your controller.
How do I connect this Digital GPIO sensor? This sensor provides a digital switching-style signal that is easy to read from a GPIO pin.
What affects accuracy? Power quality, wiring, mounting, target material, and the real environment can all affect the reading. It is best to test and calibrate in the final setup.
Is it good for prototyping? Yes. It is a practical choice for learning, proof-of-concept builds, and small automation projects.

Build with this board

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Notes from the bench

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Ask the community

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