Connecting IR photodiode

Other Hardware General Electronics
1

Hio,

i`m trying to use IR photodiode whit my arduino leonardo to capture some random ir signals(ir emitter, remote controlelr, etc.).
But the problem is, since i manage to get things working, it only works if the source of IR is about 1-2cm away from the ir photodiode.

So now after vieming datasheet from the photodiode(its BPW 41n, from Vishay) im confused as what exactly does the diode effects on in relation to detected ir. If i assume correctly, the photodiode only gives out signal similar to LOW or HIGH(as in logic controllers), not like the those 3-pin sensors that can detect actual distance of the source or like photoresistor where you measure the resistance for determining the strength of light.

But my main problem is why the BPW 41n doesnt detect IR at more then 2cm(specified distance is 20cm) even when i use 10x ir emiiting diode as IR source.

So now my questions are:
-where can i find the voltage fro powering the diode?
-how exactly do i detect if diode is closed or oopen(do i have to measure voltage or current?
-where can i find the exact voltage/current of closed(no IR) and open(detected ir) state?
-and how ecatly i have to connect it to arduino?

2

Have a look this and this: it seems the usual way is to make it one side of a divider with a 1M resistor.

3

thk for the circuit schematics, now just need someone to translate me from datasheet to what power voltage should i plug pbw41n to. (on 5v doesnt seem to work properly) :smiley:

4

Have you tried the divider circuit shown?

If you put more that 5V in to a divider like that, you'll get that voltage out and into your Arduino analog pin, and that can't take more than 5V so you probably want to avoid that....

And the reason the one link shows the output going into an amp, is that maybe for practical use, it needs to.

5

ye i was thinking about making a resistor-based voltage divider, but ye ill try some more experimenting whit 5v supply. And maybe i fried the current sensor during previus experiments, will try get another few more in monday and try again :stuck_out_tongue:

THANK all for help :DDD

6

Pick up an LM358 and some resistors while you're at it