Infrared (IR) BoosterPack Plug-in Module
Infrared (IR) BoosterPack Plug-in Module
Infrared (IR) BoosterPack Plug-in Module
The Infrared BoosterPack Plug-in Module is a specialized expansion board designed to add infrared communication and remote control capabilities to microcontroller development platforms such as TI LaunchPad and similar embedded systems. Professional embedded systems engineers, IoT developers, and robotics specialists use this module to implement wireless IR-based device control, home automation protocols, and remote sensing applications without complex circuit design. This module solves the challenge of integrating reliable infrared transmission and reception into prototype systems while maintaining compatibility with standard development environments and reducing time-to-market for IR-enabled products.
Product Overview
The Infrared BoosterPack operates on the principle of modulated infrared light transmission and reception, utilizing a carrier frequency typically around 38 kHz to encode digital data signals. The module contains integrated IR LED emitters for transmission and photodiode-based receivers for detection, coupled with signal conditioning circuitry that amplifies and demodulates received IR signals before passing them to the host microcontroller. The BoosterPack format provides a standardized plug-and-play interface with pre-configured GPIO mappings, eliminating the need for custom PCB design and enabling rapid prototyping of IR-based applications. Advanced filtering and automatic gain control circuits ensure reliable operation across varying ambient light conditions and transmission distances up to 10 meters in typical indoor environments.
This module implements industry-standard IR protocols including NEC, RC5, RC6, and Sony SIRC formats, making it compatible with commercial IR remote controls and enabling bidirectional communication with other IR-equipped devices. The onboard signal processing handles the complex timing requirements of IR modulation and demodulation, allowing developers to focus on application logic rather than low-level hardware control. Power consumption is optimized for battery-powered applications, with typical current draw of 50-100 mA during active transmission and less than 5 mA in receive mode, making it suitable for portable and IoT devices requiring extended operational life.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Product Type | Infrared BoosterPack Plug-in Module for Microcontroller Development |
| Brand | Texas Instruments or Compatible |
| Origin | Original/Authentic |
| Warranty | 7 days on manufacturing defects |
| Shipping | 1-5 days from Bengaluru |
| Delivery | 7-8 days across India |
| Support | 24/7 via Email and WhatsApp |
| IR Carrier Frequency | 38 kHz modulation |
| Transmission Range | Up to 10 meters in standard indoor lighting |
| Protocol Support | NEC, RC5, RC6, Sony SIRC formats |
| Power Supply | 3.3V to 5V from host platform |
| Current Consumption | 50-100 mA transmit, less than 5 mA receive |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 70 degrees Celsius |
Key Features
- Integrated IR LED emitter and photodiode receiver with automatic gain control for consistent signal detection across varying ambient light conditions
- Standardized BoosterPack connector interface providing direct compatibility with LaunchPad development boards and pre-mapped GPIO pins for immediate functionality
- Multi-protocol support including NEC, RC5, RC6, and Sony SIRC standards enabling seamless integration with commercial IR remotes and cross-device communication
- Onboard signal conditioning and demodulation circuitry eliminating the need for external components and complex timing code implementation
- Low power consumption design suitable for battery-operated applications with optimized standby current of less than 5 mA
- Extended transmission range up to 10 meters with robust error detection and correction mechanisms for reliable data transfer
Applications and Use Cases
- Home automation systems requiring wireless remote control of lights, fans, air conditioning units, and entertainment systems using standard IR remote protocols
- Robotics projects implementing obstacle detection and inter-robot communication through modulated infrared signals without requiring separate wireless modules
- IoT prototype development for smart appliance control, where IR-based communication provides cost-effective wireless connectivity without WiFi or Bluetooth overhead
- Educational embedded systems projects teaching microcontroller-based signal processing, protocol implementation, and wireless communication fundamentals
- Industrial equipment monitoring and control applications requiring line-of-sight wireless communication in environments where RF-based solutions face interference
- Portable medical device prototyping for patient monitoring systems using IR data transmission to central hubs or mobile applications
How to Use
Begin by inserting the Infrared BoosterPack module into the compatible BoosterPack expansion connector on your LaunchPad or development board, ensuring proper alignment of the connector pins. The module automatically configures GPIO pins for IR transmit and receive functions as per the default pinout documentation. Install the required IR library files into your development environment, which typically includes functions for transmitting IR codes in various protocols and receiving and decoding incoming IR signals with automatic protocol detection.
For transmission, initialize the IR transmit pin and call the appropriate library function with your desired protocol type and command code. For reception, enable the IR receive interrupt handler which automatically captures and decodes incoming IR signals, storing the decoded command in a buffer for your application to process. Configure the carrier frequency to match your target devices, typically 38 kHz for consumer IR remotes, and test transmission range in your specific environment as distance may vary based on ambient light intensity and IR LED characteristics. Always refer to the comprehensive datasheet and example code provided to ensure proper signal timing and protocol compliance for reliable operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum transmission distance of this IR BoosterPack module?
The module provides reliable transmission up to 10 meters in standard indoor lighting conditions. Actual range depends on several factors including the intensity of ambient light, the reflectivity of surrounding surfaces, the angle of transmission relative to the receiver, and the specific IR LED characteristics. In bright sunlight or high ambient IR environments, the effective range may reduce to 3-5 meters. For optimal performance, maintain direct line-of-sight between transmitter and receiver and minimize exposure to competing infrared sources.
Can this module work with commercial IR remote controls?
Yes, the Infrared BoosterPack fully supports standard commercial IR remote protocols including NEC, RC5, RC6, and Sony SIRC formats used by most consumer electronics. The onboard receiver can decode signals from any standard IR remote control operating at 38 kHz carrier frequency. The transmitter can also generate codes compatible with commercial devices, allowing your microcontroller to control televisions, air conditioners, and other IR-equipped appliances. However, verify that your specific remote uses one of the supported protocols, as some proprietary or specialized remotes may use different encoding schemes.
Is this module compatible with all LaunchPad development boards?
The Infrared BoosterPack is designed for BoosterPack-compatible platforms including TI LaunchPad boards such as MSP430, ARM Cortex-M4, and similar variants. However, compatibility depends on the specific board revision and available expansion connectors. Verify that your development board features a standard BoosterPack expansion header with matching pin configuration. Some older or specialized LaunchPad variants may require adapter boards or custom wiring. Consult the module documentation and your board's pinout diagram to confirm compatibility before purchase.
What power supply requirements does the IR BoosterPack have?
The module operates on 3.3V to 5V power supply, which is directly provided by the host LaunchPad development board through the BoosterPack connector. No external power supply is required. During active IR transmission, the module draws 50-100 mA peak current, while in receive-only mode it consumes less than 5 mA. Ensure your development board can supply sufficient current capacity for the peak transmission current without voltage droop, which could affect signal quality. Most standard LaunchPad boards provide adequate current capacity for this module.
When will I receive my order?
Orders are dispatched within 1-5 business days from our Bengaluru warehouse. Delivery takes 7-8 days to most locations across India.
What is your return and warranty policy?
We offer a 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only. Contact support within 7 days of receipt for free replacement or full refund. Not applicable for user damage or misuse.
Are bulk discounts available?
Yes, wholesale pricing for orders of 10 or more units. Contact our sales team via WhatsApp or email for a customized bulk quote.
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- Returns: 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only
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