# IR Breakbeam Sensors

## Overview

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/021/673/medium800/sensors_2167_iso_demo_SIZE.jpg?1418244593)

Infrared (IR) break-beam sensors are a simple way to detect motion. They work by having an emitter side that sends out a beam of human-invisible IR light, then a receiver across the way which is sensitive to that same light. When something passes between the two, and its not transparent to IR, then the 'beam is broken' and the receiver will let you know.

Compared to PIR sensors, breakbeams are faster and allow better control of where you want to detect the motion. Compared to Sonar modules, they're less expensive. However, you do need **both** emitter and receiver

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/021/674/medium800/sensors_2167_quarter_ORIG.jpg?1418244774)

The receiver is on the left, it has three wires. The transmitter is on the right, it has two wires

- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/ir-breakbeam-sensors/arduino.md)

## Featured Products

### IR Break Beam Sensors with Premium Wire Header Ends - 3mm LEDs

[IR Break Beam Sensors with Premium Wire Header Ends - 3mm LEDs](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2167)
Infrared (IR) break-beam sensors are a simple way to detect motion. They work by having an emitter side that sends out a beam of human-invisible IR light, then a receiver across the way which is sensitive to that same light. When something passes between the two, and its not transparent to IR,...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2167)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2167/guides)
### IR Break Beam Sensor with Premium Wire Header Ends - 5mm LEDs

[IR Break Beam Sensor with Premium Wire Header Ends - 5mm LEDs](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2168)
Infrared (IR) break-beam sensors are a simple way to detect motion. They work by having an emitter side that sends out a beam of human-invisible IR light, then a receiver across the way which is sensitive to that same light. When something passes between the two, and its not transparent to IR,...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2168)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2168/guides)

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