Fc 51 Ir Sensor Datasheet ✔ < Validated >

The FC-51 module works on the principle of reflective infrared sensing.

  • Digital Output: The resulting digital signal (0 or VCC) is sent to the OUT pin.
  • | Pin Number | Name | Function | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1 | OUT | Digital output signal (HIGH = no object, LOW = object detected) | | 2 | VCC | Power supply input (3.3V or 5V) | | 3 | GND | Ground (0V) |

    Understanding the output logic is crucial for programming. The FC-51 outputs a digital TTL signal. By default (most modules), the logic is:

    However, some variants (or if you modify the comparator circuitry) can invert this behavior. Always test with an LED and resistor first.

    The FC-51 is an infrared sensor module capable of detecting obstacles in front of it. It works by emitting an infrared signal (via an IR LED) and detecting the reflection (via a phototransistor). If the signal reflects off an object, the sensor outputs a digital signal.

    The FC-51 IR Sensor is a powerful yet simple tool for proximity and object detection. While it may lack the precision of a laser or the range of an ultrasonic sensor, its low cost, ease of use, and reliable digital output make it an ideal choice for thousands of hobbyist and educational projects.

    By referencing this FC-51 IR Sensor Datasheet, you now have the complete technical picture: pinouts, voltage limits, range adjustment, code examples, and troubleshooting. Whether you’re building a line-following robot, a contactless switch, or a factory counter, the FC-51 offers a straightforward “detect or not detect” solution that integrates with almost any microcontroller.

    Remember the key constraints: Keep ambient IR low, adjust the potentiometer for your target reflectivity, and always confirm the pinout before powering up. Fc 51 Ir Sensor Datasheet

    Happy sensing!


    Disclaimer: Specifications may vary slightly between manufacturers. Always test your specific module with a multimeter before integrating into a final design.

    The FC-51 is a low-cost infrared (IR) obstacle avoidance sensor module commonly used in robotics for short-range detection. It functions by emitting an IR signal from a transmitter LED; if an object is within range, the IR light reflects back and is detected by a receiver phototransistor, triggering a digital signal. Core Technical Specifications Specification Operating Voltage 3.0V – 6.0V DC Detection Range 2cm – 30cm (Adjustable via onboard potentiometer) Detection Angle Approximately 35° Current Consumption ~23 mA at 3.3V / ~43 mA at 5.0V Output Type

    Digital signal (LOW when obstacle detected, HIGH when clear) Dimensions PCB: 3.1 cm x 1.4 cm; Overall: 4.5 cm x 1.4 cm x 0.7 cm Interface and Components Pinout: VCC: Power input (3.3V - 5V). GND: Ground connection. OUT: Digital output pin. Onboard Indicators: Power LED: Remains lit while the module is powered.

    Obstacle LED: Lights up only when an object is detected within the set range.

    Adjustment: A multi-turn potentiometer (blue trim pot) is used to increase (clockwise) or decrease (counter-clockwise) the sensitivity and detection distance. Operational Notes

    The FC-51 IR Obstacle Sensor is a cheap, widely available active infrared proximity sensor used heavily in robotics and automation. It operates as a simple binary switch, outputting a LOW or HIGH digital signal depending on whether it detects reflected light from an object. The FC-51 module works on the principle of

    Below are the in-depth technical specifications, pinout architecture, and critical operating limitations mapped directly from its standard industrial datasheet footprint. 📊 Core Technical Specifications

    The operational limits of the module heavily dictate its deployment in embedded systems: Operating Voltage: 3.0V to 6.0V DC (Standard TTL levels) Current Consumption: ~23 mA at 3.3V | ~43 mA at 5.0V

    Theoretical Detection Range: 2 cm to 30 cm (Subject to target reflectivity) Effective Detection Angle: ~35° field of view

    Active Signal Output: LOW logic level when an obstacle is detected

    Inactive Signal Output: HIGH logic level when the environment is clear

    Core Components: Infrared LED emitter, Photodiode receiver, and an LM393 Voltage Comparator IC. 🔌 Pinout Configuration

    The module features a standard 3-pin male header for seamless connectivity to microcontrollers like Arduino and ESP32: VCC: External voltage input (Connect to 3.3V or 5V source). GND: Ground reference (0V). Digital Output: The resulting digital signal (0 or

    OUT: Digital output pin that connects straight to a microcontroller's GPIO. ⚡ Hardware Layout and Adjustments

    The physical PCB board hosts several distinct elements designed to assist in calibration: distance with ir sensor fc-51 - Arduino Forum


    | Feature | FC-51 | TCRT5000 (Reflective) | Sharp GP2Y0A21 (Analog) | |---------|-------|------------------------|---------------------------| | Output | Digital | Digital (needs comparator) | Analog voltage | | Range | 2–30 cm | 1–15 cm | 10–80 cm | | Distance measurement | No | No | Yes | | Cost | $1–2 | $0.5–1 (bare) | $10–15 |


    The FC-51 is a small, digital output infrared sensor module designed for object detection. It works on the principle of reflected infrared light. The module consists of two main parts:

    When an object comes within the sensor’s field of view, the IR light bounces off the object and into the phototransistor. The onboard comparator circuit (usually an LM393 chip) then processes the signal and outputs a clean HIGH or LOW digital signal, which can be read directly by a microcontroller.

    The following specifications are typical for the standard FC-51 module. Always check your specific vendor datasheet, but the values below are industry-standard.

    | Parameter | Value / Range | | :--- | :--- | | Operating Voltage | 3.3V – 5V DC | | Operating Current | 10 mA – 20 mA (typical 15 mA) | | Detection Range | 2 cm to 30 cm (adjustable) | | Optimal Detection Range | 10 cm – 15 cm | | Output Type | Digital (TTL: 0V or VCC) | | Output Logic | Active LOW (or HIGH – depends on board revision) | | Comparator IC | LM393 (Dual comparator, only one used) | | Infrared Emitter | 5mm IR LED (940nm wavelength) | | Receiver | Phototransistor (NPN type) | | Response Time | < 2 ms | | Adjustment | Onboard 10kΩ trimmer potentiometer | | Operating Temperature | -25°C to +85°C | | Board Dimensions | 32mm x 14mm x 8mm | | Mounting Holes | 2 x 3mm holes |