IR Photodiode BPW34 – Infrared Receiver for Remote & Sensing
IR Photodiode BPW34 – Infrared Receiver for Remote & Sensing
The BPW34 is a high-speed silicon PIN photodiode in a standard 5mm through-hole package, designed for infrared detection at 940nm peak sensitivity, suitable for remote control receivers, proximity sensors, and optical communication.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Value | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Silicon PIN photodiode | Manufacturer |
| Peak Wavelength | 940 nm | Manufacturer |
| Spectral Range | 430 nm – 1100 nm | Manufacturer |
| Response Time (typ.) | 20 ns | Manufacturer |
| Reverse Voltage (max) | 32 V | Manufacturer |
| Dark Current (typ.) | 2 nA at VR = 10 V | Manufacturer |
| Package | 5 mm clear epoxy, through-hole | Manufacturer |
What You Can Build With This
- Remote Controlled LED: Use IRremote library with Arduino Uno to decode signals from any IR remote and toggle an LED.
- IoT Motion Detector: Pair with ESP32 to detect IR beam breaks and send real‑time alerts over WiFi via Blynk.
- IR Remote Decoder for Raspberry Pi: With LIRC and a BPW34 circuit, decode multi‑protocol remotes for custom home automation.
- CBSE Physics Optical Gate: Build a velocity measurement setup using a laser pointer and BPW34 photodiode for timing experiments.
- B.Tech Project – Wireless IR Data Link: Transmit sensor data between two microcontrollers using modulated IR light, ideal for robotics.
Compatibility
| Platform | Compatible | Connection | Library / Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arduino Uno R3 | Yes with condition | Analog A0 + 10kΩ to GND | AnalogRead() / IRremote |
| Arduino Nano | Yes with condition | Analog A0 + 10kΩ to GND | AnalogRead() / IRremote |
| Arduino Mega 2560 | Yes with condition | Analog A0 + 10kΩ to GND | AnalogRead() / IRremote |
| ESP8266 NodeMCU | Yes with condition | Analog A0 + 10kΩ to GND | AnalogRead() / IRremote |
| ESP32 Dev Board | Yes with condition | Analog A0 + 10kΩ to GND | AnalogRead() / IRremote |
| Raspberry Pi Pico | Yes with condition | ADC pin + 10kΩ to GND | analogRead() / MicroPython |
| Raspberry Pi 4 / 5 | Yes with condition | GPIO with external ADC | RPi.GPIO / LIRC |
Wiring and Interface Notes
Connect cathode to GND and anode to VCC via a 10kΩ resistor; measure the voltage at the junction for ambient IR. For remote decoding, a simple op‑amp comparator or a pull‑up resistor to a digital pin works. Reverse bias the BPW34 for improved speed and shield it from ambient light to reduce noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What voltage does BPW34 output?
It delivers a photocurrent proportional to IR intensity; you need a load resistor to convert it to a voltage, typically 0–5V with a 10kΩ resistor.
Can BPW34 replace an IR receiver module like TSOP1738?
No, the BPW34 is a raw photodiode without demodulation. You must add amplifier and filter stages, unlike a TSOP which outputs digital data directly.
What you can build with this
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items