IR SENSOR

IR Sensor Module – KiCad PCB Design

A compact and efficient IR Sensor Module designed using KiCad EDA for schematic design and PCB layout. This project uses an IR LED transmitter, photodiode receiver, and LM393 comparator to detect nearby objects through infrared reflection.

The module is suitable for robotics, obstacle detection, automation systems, and embedded electronics applications.

Project Overview

This project demonstrates:

• IR object detection circuit
• PCB layout design in KiCad
• Compact sensor module design
• Comparator-based signal processing
• Adjustable detection sensitivity
• 3D PCB visualization

Features

• Infrared object detection
• Adjustable sensing range
• Compact PCB design
• LM393 comparator output
• LED indication for detection status
• 3-pin output connector
• Designed using KiCad

Software Used

• KiCad

Official Website: KiCad Official Website

Hardware Components

Project Structure

IR-SENSOR/
│
├── Schematic/
│   └── ir_sensor.kicad_sch
│
├── PCB/
│   └── ir_sensor.kicad_pcb
│
├── Gerber/
│   └── Manufacturing_Files
│
├── Images/
│   ├── IR_3D1.png
│   ├── IR_3D2.png
│   ├── IR_PCB.png
│   └── IR_SCHEMATIC.png
│
└── README.md

Circuit Description

The IR sensor module works using infrared reflection.

Working Principle

1. The IR LED emits infrared light continuously.

2. When an object comes near the sensor:

   • Infrared light reflects back.

3. The photodiode detects the reflected IR signal.

4. The LM393 comparator processes the signal.

5. Output pin changes state when detection occurs.

6. Indicator LED turns ON during object detection.

PCB Design

The PCB was designed with:

• Compact component placement
• Proper grounding
• Short signal routing
• Easy connector access
• Single-layer routing structure
• Optimized IR sensor positioning

Pin Configuration

Electrical Specifications

Applications

• Obstacle Avoiding Robots
• Line Following Robots
• Proximity Detection
• Industrial Automation
• Smart Vehicles
• Embedded Systems Projects
• IoT Applications

Sensitivity Adjustment

The onboard potentiometer allows adjustment of detection sensitivity:

• Rotate clockwise → Increase sensitivity
• Rotate counterclockwise → Reduce sensitivity

Future Improvements

• Add analog output support
• Add distance calibration
• Add onboard microcontroller
• Improve ambient light filtering
• Add SMT compact version