Infrared Receiver
An infrared receiver detects modulated IR light from a remote control and outputs a digital signal that a microcontroller can decode.
Part images
What it is
An infrared receiver detects modulated IR light from a remote control and outputs a digital signal that a microcontroller can decode.
How students use it
Students use it for remote-controlled menus, secret codes, music-player controls, robots, and wireless input without Wi-Fi.
Pins and power
S is signal output, + is VCC, and - is GND.
SunFounder lists the HX1838 IR receiver sensor power supply as 3.3-5V. Pico projects should use 3.3V-side signal wiring.
The receiver module outputs TTL-compatible pulses from a 38 kHz modulated infrared signal. The included remote is a 21-button 38 kHz transmitter.
Voltage and safety
Power the receiver from a Pico-safe supply and confirm the signal output is not pulled above 3.3V before connecting it to GPIO.
IR remotes are low power, but avoid staring into emitters at close range. Keep coin-cell batteries away from small children.
Module internals
Main component: HX1838 IR receiver sensor identified by SunFounder.
IR receiver package/module, VCC pin, GND pin, signal output pin, and a matching handheld IR remote.
Datasheet notes
SunFounder identifies the receiver as HX1838, high sensitivity, digital interface, 38 kHz modulation. The remote is listed as 85 x 39 x 6 mm with 8-10 m range and a 3V button-cell battery.
Common libraries
Use machine.Pin for the receiver signal. For protocol decoding, a MicroPython IR library can decode common remote-control pulse trains.
Common mistakes
Swapping signal and power pins, using a random remote protocol without decoding support, blocking line of sight, and forgetting that sunlight or bright lamps can add IR noise.