Infrared technology continues to grow with a lot of opportunities across different sectors for enhanced productivity and safety. Infrared sensors detect infrared radiation, which is emitted by all objects with a temperature above absolute zero. These sensors are all around us in various fields like Smartphones, TV remotes, smart home devices and many more.
IR sensors are two types, Active IR and passive IR that are not visible but are used in daily routine life. Smart homes, healthcare, mobile phones and TV remote are some major fields where they are integrated.
In this guide, learn about Infrared sensors, their types, applications and benefits.
What is an Infrared Sensor?
An infrared sensor (IR sensor) is an electronic device that detects infrared radiation, which is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is invisible to the human eye. It provides different industries solutions to make their more easier to detect issues.
Smart home devices, CCTV cameras, TV remote, smartphones and smart devices are some popular examples that are integrated with IR sensors. Further, the medical field is also using these sensors to measure the body temperature or diagnose illness symptoms.
Types of Infrared Sensors
There are two main types of IR sensors: Active Infrared Sensor and Passive Infrared Sensor.
Active infrared sensors use emitted infrared light to detect obstacles or movement. They consist of an incandescent bulb or LED that emits infrared light, along with a receiver that captures reflections from nearby objects. It will help to create motion detection systems such as automated doors and vehicle detection systems.
On the other hand, passive infrared sensors (PIR) do not emit any radiation; instead, they detect the infrared radiation naturally radiated from objects, particularly living beings, within their range. This property is particularly advantageous for security systems where it’s critical to detect human presence without alerting potential intruders or depleting energy reserves associated with active emission.
| Type | Description | Applications | Advantages | Limitations |
| Active Infrared Sensors | Use an IR emitter (LED or laser diode) and a receiver to detect objects by analyzing reflected IR light. | Commonly used in proximity detection, automatic doors, and robotics for object tracking and obstacle avoidance. | High accuracy to detect objects at close range and in low light conditions. | Susceptible to interference from ambient light and reflective surfaces. |
| Passive Infrared Sensors (PIR) | Detect infrared radiation emitted by warm objects, commonly used for motion detection. | Used in security systems, motion-activated lighting, and HVAC systems for occupancy sensing. | Low power consumption and reliable motion detection in static environments. | Limited to detect changes in heat signatures; cannot detect stationary objects. |
How Infrared Sensors Work
To grasp how these sensors work, it’s important to understand infrared radiation itself, which lies just beyond the visible spectrum on the electromagnetic spectrum scale. It emits infrared radiation when any object with a temperature above absolute zero radiates heat. This process occurs at a specific range of wavelengths. However, the emitted radiation strength is proportional to the object’s temperature; the higher the temperature, the more intense the radiation.
Further, IR sensors have two primary types: thermal and photonic. Thermal infrared sensors measure the heat emitted from objects. They generate a voltage proportional to the infrared radiation detected. In contrast, photonic infrared sensors rely on the principle of photoconductivity; they detect infrared light by measuring changes in electrical conductivity when exposed to radiation. This collaborative nature of the two types allows infrared sensors to be versatile tools for a myriad of applications—from motion detection to night vision devices.
Applications of Infrared Sensors
IR sensors are used in different fields, here are the applications of IR sensors.
1 – Industrial Applications
IR sensors are not limited to just a few fields, you will find them in various fields. Most of industries are using IR sensors in their operations like assembly lines for checking positions and presence.
However, these sensors detect material, counting, and temperature in sensitive areas. Even most companies use it to detect gas leakages and maintain security.
2 – Consumer Electronics
You may not have an idea, but IR sensors are more closely attached to our daily lives. For example, a TV remote turns the channel within seconds. This is all due to sensors that detect and connect transmit signals.
Smartphones and tablets are also integrated with these sensors that work to turn off or on the screen. They use gesturing and sensor technology to improve user experience.
3 – Smart Homes and Beyond
Nowadays our homes are more secure and safe and we do not need additional security guards this is all due to smart homes. Smart homes use IR sensors for detecting emergency signals. For example, if a sensor detects something unusual like heating it transforms the signals to the security system. It is the same as room lights automatically turn on when someone enters to room which is not only safe but also enhances energy efficiency.
4 – Healthcare Innovations
Beyond home automation, infrared sensors are making substantial waves in the healthcare sector. The healthcare industry is widely using IR sensors in various operations like thermometers to measure body temperature easily. It measures the correct and accurate temperature reading to know about fever.
However, IR sensors are also used in medical imaging technologies such as infrared spectroscopy. In this process analyze the tissues and detect abnormalities. It is helpful to detect the early symptoms and changes to start treatment as soon as possible.
Sum Up
The integration of infrared sensors into various applications provides benefits that foster productivity, enhance safety, and deliver long-term savings. As technology is growing, the potential for infrared sensors to reshape industries and provide easy solutions to improve operations. Most Companies will find immense value in understanding the range of applications and capabilities of IR sensors as part of their broader operational and strategic arsenals.
