Design And Construction Of An Infrared (IR) Transmitter And Receiver

The design and construction of an infrared (IR) transmitter and receiver constitute a comprehensive undertaking that involves the meticulous integration of various electronic components. An infrared transmitter functions as a device that emits infrared signals, while the receiver captures and interprets these signals. The transmitter employs light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to emit infrared radiation, modulating it to convey information. Simultaneously, the receiver employs photodiodes to detect the transmitted infrared signals, converting them into electrical currents. This process involves intricate circuitry and careful calibration to ensure optimal performance. The efficient coupling of the transmitter and receiver is crucial for successful data transmission, requiring consideration of factors such as signal strength and line-of-sight communication. Additionally, the design must account for potential interference and noise, emphasizing the need for robust filtering mechanisms. Overall, the successful creation of an infrared transmitter and receiver demands a judicious blend of electronic engineering principles, circuit design expertise, and attention to detail in component selection and integration.

This work is design and construction of an Infrared (IR) based transmitter and receiver, which is a wireless communication technology. Infrared (IR) communication is used in remote controls of different appliances like TV’s. The handheld remote control of the TV consists of IR Transmitter and the IR Receiver is placed at the TV. An infrared transmitter and receiver consist of IR Transmitter and Receiver Modules. In this project, we build a simple IR Transmitter and Receiver using 555 Timer.

The aim of the project is to explain how Infrared (IR) communication works with the help of simple hardware. For this project, we have used TSOP 1738 IR Receiver to receive infrared signals and a simple IR LED to transmit infrared signals. The circuit diagram, components and the working is explained in the work.

 

CHAPTER ONE

1.0                                         BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

The era of wire or cable connection for reception of audio and video media is almost obsolete. Now technology is making everything wireless and stress free. This device is another brilliant technology that can let you connect your audio and video footage from one point to another without wires, example connect different TVs in different locations(rooms) from your DVR(DSTV Decoder) without running wires, CCTV cameras to Monitor without running wires, DVD to TVs or speakers in different rooms without running cables.

IR Transmitter and receiver are used to control any device wirelessly, means remotely. TV remote and TV are the best example of IR transmitter and receiver. TV generally consist TSOP1738 as the IR receiver, which senses modulated IR pulses and convert them into electrical signal. In this work we are building IR remote and its receiver.  It was built around IR LED as transmitter and TSOP1738 as IR receiver.

IR LED emits infrared light, means it emits light in the range of Infrared frequency. We cannot see Infrared light through our eyes, they are invisible to human eyes. The wavelength of Infrared (700nm – 1mm) is just beyond the normal visible light. Everything which produce heat, emits infrared like our human body. Infrared have the same properties as visible light, like it can be focused, reflected and polarised like visible light.

1.1                                                   AIM OF THE PROJECT

The aim of the project is to explain how Infrared (IR) communication works with the help of simple hardware. For this project, we have used TSOP 1738 IR Receiver to receive infrared signals and a simple IR LED to transmit infrared signals.

1.2                                             OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

The objective of this work is to design and implement a device for transmitting domestic audio and video signals wirelessly from one location to another. The frequency at which it is transmitted has much more available bandwidth than that which is available at the analogue level.

1.2                                              PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT

The purpose of this work is to transmit audio/video signals of cable, satellite, video camera, DVD player, VCR, projector, or computer, etc. from one room to another wirelessly using infrared communication.

  • SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT
  1. This device is important because it can transfer information – audio, video, our voices, data — without the use of wires, and that makes them very useful.
  2. IR Transmitter and Receiver pair form a simple circuit which can be easily built.
  • Can be used for simple remote controlling applications, small data transfer, etc.
  1. IR Transmitter and Receiver pair as a module can be used in security applications, proximity sensors, distance measurement applications, etc.

1.4                                                 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

This device transfers data or information – audio, video, our voices, and data — without the use of wires. These systems involve two components, one of which contains an IR receiver and an IR transmitter. The paired unit contains  an ir receiver and IR transmitter. When an infrared remote is used on the IR receiver, the device translates the signal and broadcasts it over  infrared mode.

TSOP 1738 is an IR Receiver for IR (Infrared) remote controls. It consists of Photo Detector, Gain Control, Band Pass Filter, Demodulator and a Pre – amplifier in a single package. IR LED which is the transmitter is a special type of LED that emits Infrared rays of the Electromagnetic Spectrum. The wavelength of Infrared Rays is greater than that of Visible light and hence they are invisible to human eye.

For the modulating circuit, we use 555 Timer IC in Astable Multivibrator mode. In this mode, the 555 IC will work as a free running oscillator and generates an approximate 38 KHz square wave. The output of the 555 IC is connected to an IR LED through a button.

1.5                                          APPLICATION OF THE PROJECT

This device is used to connect home entertainment and AV devices in a home or a business. These transmitters are also used to connect security cameras to displays and recorders. For instance, a home security system can be set up that utilizes a video transmitter for cameras that monitor the front door, or a home theatre can be set up with transmitters to allow video signals to be beamed to different TVs in the home. IR transmitters are used to send a video signal from any AV or HD video source to a receiver in another location.

1.6                                              PROBLEM OF THE PROJECT

Obstructions: An obstruction refers to anything that is between the transmitter and receiver and is obstructing the signal from reaching the receiver successfully. Although wireless videos can transmit through walls, there is always some degradation of the signal. If obstructions like walls or thick trees are unavoidable, the solution is to get the transmitting and receiving antennas up as high as possible, as many of the obstructions that the signal encounters include furniture and other items sitting on the floors.

Interference: interference and false triggering might likely occur. In order to prevent interference and false triggering, if the infrared light is not properly modulated. The modulated signal can only be demodulated by the appropriate IR Receiver.

1.7                                           LIMITATION OF THE PROJECT

  1. IR Transmitter and Receiver require line of sight communication i.e. they need to be facing each other.
  2. The range of IR communication is less and is reliable for short range and small amounts of data

 

1.8                                        PROJECT WORK ORGANISATION

The various stages involved in the development of this project have been properly put into five chapters to enhance comprehensive and concise reading. In this project thesis, the project is organized sequentially as follows:

Chapter one of this work is on the introduction to this study. In this chapter, the background, aim, purpose, significance, scope, objective, limitation and problem was discussed.

Chapter two is on literature review of the study. In this chapter, all the literature pertaining to this work was reviewed.

Chapter three is on design methodology. In this chapter all the method involved during the design and construction were discussed.

Chapter four is on testing analysis. All testing that result accurate functionality was analyzed.

Chapter five is on conclusion, recommendation and references.

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Design And Construction Of An Infrared (IR) Transmitter And Receiver:

Designing and constructing an infrared (IR) transmitter and receiver can be a fun and educational project, whether you’re doing it for learning purposes, as part of a hobby, or even for practical applications like remote controls or data transmission. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the basic principles, components, and steps involved in creating an IR transmitter and receiver.

Overview of Infrared Communication

Infrared communication involves the use of infrared light to transmit signals wirelessly between devices. IR transmitters emit infrared light pulses, while IR receivers detect these pulses and convert them back into electrical signals. This technology is commonly used in remote controls, proximity sensors, and data transmission systems.

Components Needed

For the IR Transmitter:

  1. IR LED (Infrared Light Emitting Diode)
  2. Resistor (to limit current flow through the LED)
  3. Power source (e.g., battery)
  4. Switch (optional, for turning the transmitter on/off)
  5. Circuit board or breadboard for assembly
  6. Connecting wires

For the IR Receiver:

  1. IR photodiode or IR receiver module
  2. Amplifier circuit (optional, depending on the sensitivity of the receiver)
  3. Output device (e.g., LED, buzzer, or microcontroller)
  4. Power source
  5. Circuit board or breadboard
  6. Connecting wires

Design and Construction Steps

1. Design the Transmitter Circuit:

  • Choose an appropriate IR LED based on your application requirements (e.g., wavelength, power output).
  • Calculate the resistor value using Ohm’s law to limit the current flowing through the LED.
  • Design a simple circuit layout on a breadboard or create a custom PCB design if desired.
  • Optionally, include a switch to turn the transmitter on and off.

2. Assemble the Transmitter Circuit:

  • Place the IR LED and resistor on the breadboard according to your circuit design.
  • Connect the components using jumper wires, ensuring proper polarity and connections.
  • If using a switch, connect it in series with the power source and LED.

3. Test the Transmitter:

  • Power on the transmitter circuit and ensure that the IR LED emits light when activated.
  • Use a digital camera or smartphone camera to verify the IR emission (the IR light is visible through the camera lens).

4. Design the Receiver Circuit:

  • Choose an IR photodiode or IR receiver module suitable for your application.
  • If necessary, design or incorporate an amplifier circuit to boost the received signal strength.
  • Decide on the output device or interface (e.g., LED, buzzer, microcontroller) for indicating received signals.

5. Assemble the Receiver Circuit:

  • Connect the IR photodiode or receiver module to the appropriate input pins of the amplifier circuit or output device.
  • Ensure proper connections and polarity.
  • If using an amplifier circuit, adjust the gain as needed to optimize sensitivity and noise rejection.

6. Test the Receiver:

  • Power on the receiver circuit and observe its response to IR signals.
  • Use the transmitter to send IR pulses and verify that the receiver detects them.
  • Test the receiver’s sensitivity and range by varying the distance between the transmitter and receiver.

Tips and Considerations:

  • Choose IR components with compatible wavelengths and modulation frequencies to ensure compatibility between the transmitter and receiver.
  • Experiment with different resistor values for the LED and amplifier gain settings for the receiver to optimize performance.
  • Shield the receiver from ambient light sources to prevent interference and false detections.
  • Use appropriate safety measures when working with electrical components, such as wearing safety goggles and avoiding direct exposure to IR light.
  • Explore advanced techniques such as pulse modulation and error detection/correction for more robust communication systems.

By following these steps and considerations, you can design and construct your own IR transmitter and receiver for various applications. This project offers a hands-on opportunity to learn about electronics, wireless communication, and practical circuit design. Happy building!