The photo interrupter module history is strongly tied to the IR LED development with the key innovation of both an LED and a phototransistor in a single package. It allows for object interruption detection by blocking the light path among them. So this concept achieved major traction with the mass IR LED production in the late 1960s. This is a transmission-type photo sensor including light emitting & light receiving elements which are connected by facing each other within a single package. This works like an optical switch by noticing light blockage whenever a target object comes between both elements. These are optical or noncontact switches compared to mechanical switches thus, it improves consistency by avoiding wear-and-tear because of abrasion. This article elaborates on the KY-010 module, pin-out, features, specifications, and applications.
What is the KY-010 Module?
A KY-010 is a photo interrupter module or a light barrier that notices a light beam whenever it is blocked through an object and sends a signal whenever the interruption happens; this module is used commonly in different Arduino projects so that it detects the presence or movement of an object by disrupting the light lane between its emitter & detector. The KY-010 light barrier module is the best choice for detecting a card that swipes through a slot (or) other different applications wherever detection of opening (or) closing is required.
KY-010 Module Components:
KY-010 module includes different components like an optical emitter, IR LED, header pins, resistors, and detector which are discussed below.
- An optical emitter or detector is also known as a light detector that uses a light beam to notice if an object is blocking the beam path between the emitter & detector
- This module includes three male header pins on the front side of the module.
- This module includes two resistors (1kΩ & 33Ω) on the back side of the module.
- IR LED module includes an IR LED that can be utilized to design a simple circuit to specify whenever light is disrupted.
How KY-010 Module Work?
A KY-010 photo interrupter module works by noticing whenever a light signal is blocked through an object. So it acts like a switch that provides a signal whenever the light lane is interrupted between its built-in IR emitter & receiver. Thus, this module is used to detect the movement or presence of a target by checking if something passes through the light signal.
This module includes a light emitter (IR LED) and a light detector (phototransistor) which are connected close together by allowing a light signal to travel between them. When no target is blocking the light path, the phototransistor gets a strong signal that results in a high voltage output on the signal pin. If a target object goes into the light path & obstructs the light beam, then the phototransistor gets less light signal that causes an output voltage drop and provides the signal of a target object.
Pin Configuration:
The pin configuration of the KY-010 module is shown below. So this module includes three pins which are explained below.
KY-010 Module Interfacing with Arduino Uno
- Pin-1 (GND): It is a negative power supply or GND pin of the module.
- Pin-2 (+V): It is a +ve power supply (+VCC) pin that supplies to the module.
- Pin-3 (Signal/Data): This pin outputs the directly measured value of the sensor module.
Features & Specifications:
The features and specifications of the KY-010 module include the following.
- KY-010 is a photo interrupter module.
- This module includes three pins.
- This module notices whenever an object disrupts a light signal.
- It outputs a high logic level whenever the signal is blocked. When the beam is not blocked, and then outputs a low logic level.
- This module includes IR LED & a phototransistor.
- Operating voltage ranges from 3.3V to 5V.
- It outputs a digital signal output.
- Its sensitivity can be easily adjusted based on the application.
- The forward current is 50 mA.
- Its reverse voltage is 5 Volts.
- The collector current is 30 mA.
- Power dissipation is 80 watts.
- Forward voltage typically ranges from 1.3 V to 1.6 V.
- The maximum reverse current is 10 μA.
- The typical peak emission wavelength is 950 nm.
- The minimum light current is 0.5 mA.
- Maximum dark current is 500 nA.
- Output is a High or Low digital signal.
- Its operating temperature ranges from -25°C to 85°C.
- Its storage temperature ranges from -30°C to 100°C.
Equivalent & Alternatives
Equivalents to KY-010 modules are; Sharp GP2Y0A02K, IR reflective sensor, Sharp GP2Y0A21K, etc. Alternatives to these modules are; HY860D, KS0009, OS25B10, GP1A57HRJ00F, WYC-H206, MOCH25A, etc.
KY-010 Module Interfacing with Arduino Uno
The KY-010 module interfacing with Arduino Uno is shown below. So this interfacing is useful in detecting if an object passed in between the emitter & detector. So the required components to make this interfacing mainly include; a KY-010 photo interrupter module Arduino Uno board and jumper wires.
The connections of this interfacing follow as;
- Connect the GND pin of the KY-010 module to the GND pin of Arduino Uno.
- Connect the +V pin of the module to the +5V pin of Arduino Uno.
- Connect the signal pin of the module to pin 7 of the Arduino Uno board.
Code:
The required code for the KY-010 module interfacing with Arduino Uno is shown below.
// Arduino and KY-010 module
void setup()
{
pinMode(7, INPUT);
//the module is connected to pin 7
pinMode (13, OUTPUT);
//Arduino’s built-in LED is connected to pin 13
}
void loop()
{
if (digitalRead(7) == LOW) { // check state of pin 7,
// LOW means an object is detected by the module
digitalWrite(13, HIGH);
// switch On LED
}
else digitalWrite(13, LOW); // LED is off when no object is detected
}
Working
Once the connections are made, upload the code and provide a power supply to your Arduino Uno board. A photo interrupter module utilizes an emitter & a detector to notice if any object is in between the emitter & the detector. So the detector notices the light transmitted by the emitter and whenever it doesn’t observe the light beam then it pulls the pin-S of module state to LOW. Thus, the in-built LED must light up whenever an object is placed in between the emitter & detector of the module.
Advantages & Disadvantages
The advantages of the KY-010 module include the following.
- These modules are simple to use in any application.
- The IR light beam gives precise object passage detection.
- These are compact and occupy less space.
- These modules are inexpensive.
- It can be interfaced easily with different microcontroller platforms.
- It is used in versatile applications.
The disadvantages of the KY-010 module include the following.
- It is the potential for forged positives because of ambient light interference.
- It is sensitive to object size & alignment.
- This module has a limited detection range.
- These are susceptible to poor soldering quality.
- This module has potential inconsistency among different module batches.
- It is not suitable for applications that need reliability or high precision in varying lighting conditions.
Applications
The applications of the KY-010 module include the following.
- KY-010 module is used mainly in applications so wherever the movement or presence detection of an object by disrupting a light beam is required which is explained below.
- KY-010 module is used for card swipe detection.
- It is used to count the objects on a conveyor belt.
- This module is used to monitor if a window or door is opened or closed.
- These modules are used to implement simple obstacle detection mainly for robots.
- It is used for detecting liquid levels.
- These modules are used frequently in beginner educational projects.
Please refer to this link for the KY-010 module datasheet.
Thus, this is an overview of the KY-010 module, pinout, specifications, and applications. So it is a photo interrupter module that senses whenever an object blocks a light beam in between its sensor & emitter. So it is a very useful component in many projects that need monitoring passage or movement. This module is used to detect when a door or window opens or closes, and is used in security systems, automated control systems, or counting devices. Thus, here is a question for you, what is the MOC7811 module?