The FC-51 features a small, blue potentiometer (variable resistor) on the back of the PCB. Turning this potentiometer changes the comparator’s reference voltage, effectively adjusting the sensitivity.
How to calibrate:
Caution: Do not force the potentiometer past its stops. Adjust only ±270 degrees typically.
The FC-51 IR Sensor is a powerful yet simple tool for proximity and object detection. While it may lack the precision of a laser or the range of an ultrasonic sensor, its low cost, ease of use, and reliable digital output make it an ideal choice for thousands of hobbyist and educational projects.
By referencing this FC-51 IR Sensor Datasheet, you now have the complete technical picture: pinouts, voltage limits, range adjustment, code examples, and troubleshooting. Whether you’re building a line-following robot, a contactless switch, or a factory counter, the FC-51 offers a straightforward “detect or not detect” solution that integrates with almost any microcontroller.
Remember the key constraints: Keep ambient IR low, adjust the potentiometer for your target reflectivity, and always confirm the pinout before powering up.
Happy sensing!
Disclaimer: Specifications may vary slightly between manufacturers. Always test your specific module with a multimeter before integrating into a final design.
is a popular infrared (IR) obstacle avoidance sensor module commonly used in robotics for object detection and line tracking Inforbatista
. It consists of an IR transmitter and receiver pair, using a comparator circuit (LM393) to provide a simple digital output Ktechnics Systems Technical Specifications Operating Voltage: 3.0V to 6.0V DC Current Consumption: approximately at 3.3V and Detection Range: 2 cm to 30 cm (adjustable via onboard potentiometer) Art of Circuits Detection Angle: Output Signal: Digital (High = No Obstacle, Low = Obstacle Detected) Art of Circuits Dimensions: Approximately 43mm x 16mm x 7mm Радіокомпоненти Pinout & Hardware Features
The module uses a standard 3-pin male header for easy connection Art of Circuits ir sensor.docx - Slideshare
is a popular, low-cost infrared (IR) obstacle avoidance sensor module commonly used in robotics and DIY electronics for proximity detection. It operates by emitting an IR signal and detecting the reflection from nearby objects. Technical Specifications
The module is designed for simple "object vs. no object" detection rather than precise distance measurement. Specification Operating Voltage 3.0V – 6.0V DC Current Consumption ~23 mA at 3.3V; ~43 mA at 5.0V Detection Range 2cm – 30cm (adjustable via potentiometer) Detection Angle LM393 Voltage Comparator Output Type Digital (HIGH/LOW) Board Dimensions ~3.1cm x 1.4cm (PCB) Pinout and Indicators
The module features a standard 3-pin male header for easy interfacing. Fc 51 Ir Sensor Datasheet
FC-51 IR Proximity Sensor - am I doing it wrong? - Arduino Forum
The FC-51 is a low-cost infrared (IR) obstacle avoidance sensor module commonly used in robotics for short-range detection. It functions by emitting an IR signal from a transmitter LED; if an object is within range, the IR light reflects back and is detected by a receiver phototransistor, triggering a digital signal. Core Technical Specifications Specification Operating Voltage 3.0V – 6.0V DC Detection Range 2cm – 30cm (Adjustable via onboard potentiometer) Detection Angle Approximately 35° Current Consumption ~23 mA at 3.3V / ~43 mA at 5.0V Output Type
Digital signal (LOW when obstacle detected, HIGH when clear) Dimensions PCB: 3.1 cm x 1.4 cm; Overall: 4.5 cm x 1.4 cm x 0.7 cm Interface and Components Pinout: VCC: Power input (3.3V - 5V). GND: Ground connection. OUT: Digital output pin. Onboard Indicators: Power LED: Remains lit while the module is powered.
Obstacle LED: Lights up only when an object is detected within the set range.
Adjustment: A multi-turn potentiometer (blue trim pot) is used to increase (clockwise) or decrease (counter-clockwise) the sensitivity and detection distance. Operational Notes
FC-51 IR Sensor is a versatile, low-cost infrared proximity module commonly used in obstacle avoidance robots, security systems, and factory automation. It works on the principle of reflecting infrared light off an object to determine its presence within a specific range. Electronics For You Technical Specifications Based on typical operating parameters for this module: Operating Voltage: 3V to 5V DC Operating Current: is greater than or equal to Detection Distance: 2cm to 30cm (adjustable via potentiometer) Detection Angle: Approximately 35 raised to the composed with power Output Signal:
Digital (0 or 1); "0" when an obstacle is detected, "1" when clear Dimensions: 1.5cm with a 3mm mounting hole IC Components Component Overview
The module consists of several key parts that handle signal transmission and processing: IR Emitter: Sends out a continuous infrared signal. IR Receiver (Photodiode): Detects the IR light reflected back from obstacles. LM393 Comparator:
An integrated circuit that compares the received signal against a threshold to provide a clean digital output. Potentiometer (Trimmer):
Allows users to manually adjust the sensitivity and detection distance. LED Indicators:
One power LED (always on) and one signal LED (lights up when an object is detected). Pin Configuration
The FC-51 typically features a 3-pin interface for easy connectivity with microcontrollers like Arduino or Raspberry Pi: Connects to the positive power supply (3.3V–5V). Connects to the ground/negative power supply. The digital output pin. It outputs a signal when an object is detected and a signal when the path is clear. Working Principle The IR LED continuously emits infrared light.
When an object enters the detection range, the light reflects back to the photodiode. The FC-51 features a small, blue potentiometer (variable
The LM393 comparator compares the photodiode's voltage to the reference voltage set by the potentiometer.
If the reflected signal is strong enough, the output pin goes , triggering an action in the connected microcontroller. snippet to test this sensor with? Inverting Integrator Circuit Analysis | PDF - Scribd
is a popular infrared (IR) obstacle avoidance sensor module commonly used in robotics for proximity detection and line tracking. It functions by emitting an IR signal and measuring the reflected light to identify objects within its field of view. Technical Specifications
The following data reflects standard ratings for the FC-51 module:
The FC-51 is an infrared (IR) proximity sensor module widely used for obstacle avoidance in robotics and automation. It works by emitting an infrared beam and detecting its reflection off a nearby object. Visual Overview
The module typically includes an IR emitter (LED), an IR receiver (photodiode), an LM393 comparator chip, and a potentiometer for sensitivity adjustment.
Key Features:
Technical Specifications:
Applications:
Datasheet:
If you're looking for the official datasheet of the FC-51 IR sensor, you can search for it on various online platforms, such as:
Keep in mind that the datasheet may vary depending on the manufacturer or the specific version of the sensor.
The FC-51 IR Sensor is a popular obstacle avoidance module commonly used in robotics to detect objects at close range. Key Specifications Operating Voltage: 3.3V to 5V DC. Stop turning when the output LED just turns
Detection Range: Adjustable from 2cm to 30cm via an onboard potentiometer.
Output Signal: Digital (High/Low). It typically outputs Low (0V) when an object is detected and High (VCC) when the path is clear. Detection Angle: Approximately 35°. Physical Components (The "Pieces")
The module consists of several critical parts integrated into a single PCB:
IR Transmitter: An infrared LED that emits light at a specific wavelength (usually 940nm).
IR Receiver (Photodiode): Receives the reflected IR light from an object.
Comparator IC (LM393): A voltage comparator chip that processes the signal from the receiver to determine if an object is present.
Potentiometer: A small trim-pot used to adjust the sensitivity and detection distance. Indicator LEDs: Power LED: Glows when the module is powered. Signal LED: Lights up when an object is detected. Pinout Configuration
The FC-51 usually features a 3-pin header for easy connection: VCC: Power input (3.3V – 5V). GND: Ground connection. OUT: Digital output signal. Typical Applications Obstacle avoidance for smart cars or robots.
Line following (can distinguish between black and white surfaces). Hand-wave switches or touchless triggers.
If you are looking for a complete copy of the technical document, you can view the FC-51 IR Sensor Datasheet on Scribd or refer to project guides on Instructables and Hackster.io.
If you are planning to connect this to a microcontroller, would you like a wiring diagram or a sample code snippet for Arduino or ESP32? FC-51 IR Sensor Datasheet Overview | PDF | Science - Scribd
Below is a comprehensive table of the FC-51’s electrical and optical characteristics. While different manufacturers may have slight variations, these values represent the standard for the clone modules widely available.
| Parameter | Min | Typical | Max | Unit | Conditions | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Supply Voltage (Vcc) | 3.0 | 5.0 | 5.5 | V | – | | Supply Current (Icc) | 15 | 23 | 35 | mA | No load, LED on | | Output Voltage High (VOH) | Vcc - 0.5 | Vcc - 0.2 | – | V | Iout = 0 mA | | Output Voltage Low (VOL) | – | 0.1 | 0.4 | V | Iout = 15 mA | | Output Current (Source/Sink) | – | 15 | 20 | mA | – | | Detection Range (White paper) | 2 | – | 30 | cm | Adjustable via potentiometer | | Detection Range (Black surface) | 1 | – | 8 | cm | Lower reflectivity | | Frequency of IR carrier | – | 38 | – | kHz | Modulated signal | | Operating Temperature | -10 | 25 | 70 | °C | – | | Response Time | – | 2 | 5 | ms | Depends on comparator slew rate |