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.
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
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 Fc 51 Ir Sensor Datasheet
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 Proximity Sensor - am I doing it wrong? - Arduino Forum
The FC-51 is a workhorse of the hobbyist world: seductive in its simplicity, practical for many classroom and maker tasks, but brittle when stretched beyond its implicit assumptions. Read its datasheet as a starting point — then test aggressively, account for variability, and treat the module as a fast prototype, not the final measurement instrument.
The FC-51 IR Sensor is a workhorse of the hobby electronics world. Its datasheet reveals a simple, robust, and cost-effective solution for digital proximity and obstacle detection. With an adjustable range up to 30 cm, TTL-compatible output, and low power consumption, it is ideal for beginners and experts alike.
By understanding the pinout, electrical characteristics, and the crucial role of the LM393 comparator, you can integrate the FC-51 into your projects with confidence. Whether you are building a robot that navigates a maze or a simple hand sanitizer dispenser, the FC-51 offers a perfect balance of performance and simplicity.
Final Reminder: Always test your specific module’s output logic (Active HIGH vs. Active LOW) and refer to the manufacturer’s datasheet for exact thresholds. Happy building!
For more technical resources, including the original LM393 datasheet and application notes on IR reflectance, check the reference links below.
References:
Word Count: ~1,950
Overview
The FC-51 IR sensor is a reflective infrared sensor that can detect the presence of objects within a certain range. It is commonly used for obstacle detection, line following, and other applications. The FC-51 IR Sensor is a popular obstacle
Datasheet Analysis
The datasheet for the FC-51 IR sensor provides the following key specifications:
Features
The FC-51 IR sensor has the following features:
Applications
The FC-51 IR sensor can be used in various applications, including:
Limitations
The FC-51 IR sensor has some limitations:
Conclusion
The FC-51 IR sensor is a reliable and easy-to-use infrared sensor module suitable for various robotics and automation projects. Its simple digital output and adjustable sensitivity make it a popular choice among hobbyists and professionals. However, its limited range and potential interference from environmental factors should be considered when designing applications.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommendation: The FC-51 IR sensor is recommended for projects that require simple proximity sensing, obstacle detection, or line following. However, for more complex applications or longer detection ranges, alternative sensors may be more suitable. Final verdict — punchline The FC-51 is a
The FC-51 IR sensor is a versatile and low-cost infrared obstacle avoidance module widely used in robotics, security systems, and DIY electronics. This module, often referred to as the "Flying Fish" sensor, uses a pair of infrared emitting and receiving tubes to detect obstacles within a range of approximately 2 cm to 30 cm. FC-51 Technical Specifications
The FC-51 module is designed for ease of integration with microcontrollers like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and ESP8266. Specification Operating Voltage 3.0V – 6.0V DC (Typical: 3.3V or 5V) Current Consumption ~23 mA at 3.3V; ~43 mA at 5.0V Detection Range 2 cm to 30 cm (Adjustable via potentiometer) Detection Angle Output Type Digital (HIGH/LOW logic) Active Output Level LOW when an obstacle is detected PCB Dimensions 3.1 cm (L) x 1.4 cm (W) Pinout Configuration
The FC-51 features a simple 3-pin male header for quick connections. VCC: Power input pin (connects to 3.3V - 5V). GND: Ground pin (0V).
OUT: Digital output pin that provides a signal based on detection status. Working Principle
The module operates based on infrared reflection. An onboard IR LED (the transparent transmitter) continuously emits infrared light. When an object enters the detection range, the light bounces off the object's surface and is captured by the IR receiver (the black photodiode). Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Googlehttps://www.google.com
IR Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Sensor Module | FC-51 for Arduino
The FC-51 is a compact, low-cost infrared (IR) sensor module designed for digital obstacle detection. It operates by emitting infrared light from an IR LED and detecting the reflected light using a phototransistor. If an object is close enough, the reflected IR intensity is high, and the module outputs a digital signal (either HIGH or LOW) indicating the presence of the object.
Unlike analog IR sensors (such as the TCRT5000-based modules), the FC-51 includes an onboard comparator circuit (typically an LM393 chip) that converts the analog signal from the phototransistor into a clean digital output. This makes it extremely easy to interface with microcontrollers like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, or STM32.
Key Feature: It has a built-in potentiometer to adjust the detection threshold (sensitivity range).
Even a simple sensor like the FC-51 can exhibit issues. Here’s a troubleshooting guide:
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Solution | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Output LED always ON | Potentiometer too sensitive; object too close; power supply noise | Turn potentiometer CCW; move objects; add capacitor | | Output LED always OFF | No power; broken IR LED; range too low | Check Vcc/GND; turn potentiometer CW; test with white paper | | Erratic detection | Ambient IR noise (sunlight, CFLs); loose wires | Shield sensor; use shorter wires; add 10ms debounce in code | | Very short range (under 5 cm) | Potentiometer misadjusted; black target | Recalibrate; use reflective tape on target | | Module gets hot | Reverse polarity | Immediately disconnect; check pinout version |
