DIYables IR Slotted Optical Speed Sensor Module

Sensors
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IR slotted optical speed sensor module angled view showing photointerrupter slot and OUT VCC GND pin header Click to zoom
IR slotted optical speed sensor module angled view showing photointerrupter slot and OUT VCC GND pin headerIR slotted optical speed sensor module reverse angle showing slot opening and 3-pin headerIR slotted optical speed sensor module PCB view showing phototransistor circuit and mounting holesIR slotted optical speed sensor module top view showing OUT VCC GND labeled pin headerIR slotted optical speed sensor module bottom view showing slot opening and dual mounting holesFive IR slotted optical speed sensor modules included in the 5-pack set

Quick Overview

The DIYables IR Slotted Optical Speed Sensor Module uses a slot-type photoelectric design combining an infrared LED and NPN phototransistor with a 5.9mm wide slot. When any non-transparent object — such as an encoder disc or code wheel — passes through the slot, it interrupts the IR beam and triggers a TTL low-level digital output. A built-in Schmitt trigger ensures the output is stable and jitter-free for reliable speed and distance measurements.

Operating on 3.3V to 5V, this module outputs a clean digital signal (0 and 1) compatible with all common microcontrollers. M3 screw mounting holes at both ends make installation straightforward on robot chassis, motor mounts, or custom brackets.

Ideal for motor speed detection, distance measurement, robot velocity feedback, tachometer circuits, and any application requiring precise optical interruption sensing with Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, and Raspberry Pi.

Key Features

  • 5.9mm Slot-Type Photoelectric Sensor — Infrared LED and NPN phototransistor paired in a 5.9mm wide slot for reliable detection of any non-transparent object passing through
  • Schmitt Trigger Stable Output — Built-in Schmitt trigger eliminates signal jitter, producing a clean and stable TTL digital output for accurate speed and distance measurements
  • TTL Digital Output — Outputs TTL low level when the slot is interrupted and high when clear, providing simple digital 0 and 1 signals for easy MCU interfacing
  • 3.3V to 5V Wide Operating Voltage — Compatible with both 3.3V and 5V logic systems including Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi, and AVR/ARM microcontrollers
  • M3 Mounting Holes — M3 screw holes at both ends of the PCB for secure and easy mounting on robot chassis, motor holders, and DIY project enclosures
  • Wide Compatibility — Works with Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi, and any platform with a digital GPIO input pin
  • 5 Pack Value — Includes 5 complete sensor modules for multi-motor robots, spares, or multiple installation points
  • Versatile Applications — Suitable for motor speed detection, tachometer circuits, distance measurement, encoder disc reading, and robot velocity feedback

SPECIFICATION

Specification Value
Product Type IR Slotted Optical Speed Sensor Module
Sensor Type Slot-type photoelectric (IR LED + NPN phototransistor)
Slot Width 5.9mm
Output Type Digital switch output (TTL 0 and 1)
Trigger Output TTL low level when slot is interrupted
Signal Conditioning Schmitt trigger (jitter elimination)
Operating Voltage 3.3V – 5V DC
Interface Digital GPIO (OUT pin)
Mounting Holes M3 screw holes at both ends
Package Quantity 5 pieces
Compatibility Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi, AVR, ARM
Applications Motor speed detection, distance measurement, tachometer, robot encoder, obstacle detection

PACKAGE

A package includes:

Qty Items
5 IR Slotted Optical Speed Sensor Module

COMPATIBLE HARDWARE

  • Arduino boards (UNO, Mega, Nano, etc.) — 3.3V/5V digital GPIO input
  • Arduino Uno R4 WiFi/Minima — digital GPIO input
  • Arduino Nano ESP32 — digital GPIO input
  • ESP32 development boards — 3.3V digital GPIO input
  • ESP32 C3 Super Mini — 3.3V digital GPIO input
  • ESP8266 boards (NodeMCU, Wemos D1, etc.) — 3.3V digital GPIO input
  • Raspberry Pi (all models) — 3.3V digital GPIO input
  • Raspberry Pi Pico — 3.3V digital GPIO input
  • Any microcontroller with a digital GPIO input pin — 3.3V or 5V logic compatible