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What is Infrared (IR) Technology

By RF Wireless Expert Team

Infrared (IR) technology is used as an optical wireless communication medium. You’ve probably encountered it countless times without even realizing it!

This technology is commonly found in remote control devices around the home, for example, in your TV remote. Think about it – that little beam of light that you can’t see is actually sending signals to change the channel or adjust the volume.

There are two main types of infrared applications:

  • Diffused Infrared: This type scatters the infrared signal, allowing for broader coverage.
  • Directed Beam Infrared: This type focuses the infrared signal into a narrow beam for more precise communication.

Infrared Performance

Here’s a quick comparison of the performance of the two main infrared types:

  • Diffused Infrared:

    • Data Rate: About 1 to 4 Mbps
    • Distance Coverage: About 15 to 60 meters

  • Directed Beam Infrared:

    • Data Rate: About 1 to 10 Mbps
    • Distance Coverage: About 25 meters

Technical Details

Infrared occupies a frequency range of approximately 1 to 400 THz. Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) modulation is commonly used to encode data onto the infrared signal. For managing access to the medium, Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) and token ring protocols are sometimes employed.

Applications Beyond Remote Controls

While TV remotes might be the most familiar application, infrared is used in a wide variety of devices, including:

  • Computer devices (mouse, keyboard, headphones, etc.)
  • Car locks
  • Home automation systems (controlling doors, windows, lights, curtains, etc.)
  • Toys
  • And many more!

Continue Learning Infrared Technology

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