E18-D80NK Adjustable Infrared Proximity Sensor Module

Easy to use proximity sensor with 3-80cm detection distance

DESCRIPTION

The E18-D80NK Adjustable Infrared Proximity Sensor Module can be adjusted to sense objects over a range of 3-80cm.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• E18-D80NK Adjustable Infrared Proximity Sensor Module w/ attached 45″ cable

KEY FEATURES OF E18-D80NK ADJUSTABLE INFRARED PROXIMITY SENSOR MODULE:

• Extremely easy to setup and use
• Fully adjustable detection range from 3 to 80cm
• Simple logic and LED output indicates when object is detected
• Built-in 45″ cable
• 5V Operation
• Optional mounting bracket available

This is an extremely easy to use sensor that consists of an IR transmitter and receiver pair in one module.  The IR transmitter emits IR light and the IR receiver detects the IR light that is reflected off objects.

This is the larger version of the E18-D80NK.  The main difference is that the body is longer at 65mm vs 49mm and the cable is 45″ vs 17.5″.  Functionality is the same between both models.

The sensor was originally designed to automate the counting of objects moving along a production line, but it works equally well as an obstacle avoidance sensor on a robotic vehicle or any other applications where detection of objects or obstacles within its range is desired such as for a security system or monitoring a pet door.

Detection range is approximately 3-80cm.  The range is adjustable using a multi-turn screw on the back of the unit.  Turning the screw CW increases the range at which objects are detected.  Turning the screw CCW decreases the range.  If the adjustment is turned CCW too far, the module will no longer detect an object until it is turned CW again.  Similarly if it is turned CW all the way, it will always show a detection until it is turned CCW again.

The module can detect that presence of the object within the range it has been set for, but it cannot determine the distance to the object.

The signal output is normally held HIGH due to a built-in 10K pull-up resistor.  When an object is detected, the output drops to LOW as long as it is detected.  A red LED on the back of the module is lit when an object is detected.  The output is an open collector that can sink a max of 100mA.

The module operates at 5V.  Current draw is typically only 5mA though max current draw is rated as 25mA.

The body of the module is threaded and 2 knurled nuts are included which allow the sensor to be mounted in an 19mm hole that can be drilled through sheet metal or wood.  The amount of protrusion through the hole is adjustable using the nuts.

OUR EVALUATION RESULTS:

These modules work quite well, with reliable detection.  Since the amount of IR reflection can vary depending on materials and angles, the detected distance may vary somewhat when using under unknown conditions such as for a robotic vehicle.

The maximum detection range will vary depending on the reflectivity of the surface.  With a gloss white surface, detection up to 140cm can be possible.  With a porous flat black surface like ESD foam used to package ICs, the maximum range may be reduced to as low as 25cm.

We illuminated one of our high performance TSL260 IR Light sensors with one of these modules.  The scope capture is shown below.  It appears that these devices modulate the IR light at a frequency of approximately 490Hz, though this varies a bit from device to device.  This helps to make it immune to natural IR light as well as IR from common sources such as IR remotes that typically operate at 38KHz.

The program below implements a basic setup where the sensor output is monitored and any object detection lights the on-board LED and sends a message to the Serial Monitor Window.

We use pin 9 in the example for the sensor output, but this pin is arbitrary and can be changed as desired.

E18-D80NK Adjustable Infrared Proximity Sensor Module Program

/*
  Exercise E18-D80NK Adjustable Infrared Proximity Sensor

  Basic code to implement obstacle detection.  If an obstacle is detected, you would obviously want
   to implement some type of avoidance rather than simply loop as we do here.
*/
int const LED_PIN = 13;       // On board LED
int const SENSOR_PIN = 9;     // Pin to attach to sensor output
boolean objectDetect = false; // Flag to show whether an object has been detected
//===============================================================================
//  Initialization
//===============================================================================
void setup() {
  pinMode(LED_PIN, OUTPUT);     
  pinMode (SENSOR_PIN, INPUT);   
  Serial.begin(9600);
}
//===============================================================================
//  Main
//===============================================================================
void loop() {
  if ( digitalRead( SENSOR_PIN))        // If detector Output is HIGH, there is no object
  {
    if (objectDetect == true) {         // If we had previously detected an object
      objectDetect = false;             // Set flag to no object detected
      digitalWrite (LED_PIN, LOW);      // Turn LED off if no detection
    }
  }
  else                                 // If the Output is LOW, there is an object detected
  {
    objectDetect = true;               // Set flag
    digitalWrite (LED_PIN, HIGH);      // turn on LED to show the detection.
    Serial.println("Object Detected"); // Also send detection to the serial monitor window
  }
  delay(100);                         // wait for a bit then check again.
}

BEFORE THEY ARE SHIPPED, THESE MODULES ARE:

• Inspected
• Basic obstacle detection operation verified.  Detection range set to about 12″
• Packaged in a high quality resealable ESD bag for protection and easy storage.

Notes: 

1. None

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS