Infrared LED emitter

High-power infrared LED emitter

This infrared LED emitter has two high-power LED outputs. You can control it using the built-in N-channel FET driver, and ‘fire’ 100 mA–200 mA of pulsing current through each LED, with a range of over 10 metres. This board is the simplest way to create a powerful IR emitter without having to connect multiple components. With a microcontroller, this emitter and your software, you could build your own remote control to operate other devices from a distance.

Furthermore, you won’t need to do any soldering, as the STEMMA (JST PH) connector on the board allows you to connect it easily to other devices. You will need a STEMMA JST PH cable with a 2 mm pitch and clip-on pins or crocodile clips at the end, which is not included with this product.

This board is fitted with a power transistor, so you simply need to supply approximately 3–5V DC to the V+ power input, ground to ground, and a 3–5V logic-level signal to the input pin. When the pin is HIGH, the LEDs are on; when the signal pin is LOW, the LEDs are off. As our eyes cannot see IR light, there is a red LED to alert you when the IR LEDs are on. Both LEDs are pre-soldered onto the PCB. One of the LEDs faces upwards, while the other faces outwards. Furthermore, if you want even greater coverage, you can solder a 5 mm IR LED (not included) into the designated space on the board.

When the board is powered at 5V, it draws approximately 200 mA per LED (400 mA in total) while switched on. However, when powered at 3V, it draws approximately 100 mA per LED (200 mA in total). For this reason, it is not recommended leaving the LEDs on for long periods at this current draw. The LEDs are intended for remote control transmission rather than for IR illumination.

This product comes with a fully assembled and tested STEMMA PCB board, but without a cable. No soldering is required to use it, but you will need to obtain a 3-pin STEMMA JST PH cable with a 2mm pitch. Alternatively, if you wish to solder, there are 0.1″ holes for power/ground/signal.

Technical details

• Product dimensions: 2.54 x 1.77 x 0.72 cm
• Product weight: 1.8 g

For more information, see the Adafruit guide: High Power Infrared LED Emitter.

Adafruit name: High Power Infrared LED Emitter – STEMMA JST PH 2mm [ADA5639]