Infrared receiver tubes, as an indispensable component in modern electronic devices, are widely used in various fields such as remote control, communication, sensing, and distance measurement. Its unique photoelectric conversion function enables the device to receive and process infrared signals, enabling remote control and interactive operation. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the different types and applications of infrared receiver tubes, in order to better understand the practical application of this technology.

1、 Basic principle of infrared receiver tube

Infrared receiver tube is a semiconductor device that utilizes the photoelectric effect to convert infrared light signals into electrical signals. The core component is a PN junction made of a special material. Compared to ordinary diodes, the PN junction area is larger, the electrode area is smaller, and the junction depth is shallow, usually less than 1 micron. This design enables the infrared receiver tube to receive incident light over a larger area, improving the photoelectric conversion efficiency.

When infrared radiation reaches the receiving window of the receiving tube, the semiconductor material absorbs the infrared energy, and the photon energy excites the electrons in the semiconductor, causing them to transition from the valence band to the conduction band, thereby generating an electric current. This current signal can be amplified, decoded, and processed through external circuits, thereby achieving recognition and application of infrared signals.

2、 Types of infrared receiver tubes

According to their working principles and characteristics, infrared receiving tubes can be divided into various types, mainly including PIN type receiving tubes, Avalanche type receiving tubes, and Phototransistor type receiving tubes.

1. PIN type receiving tube

PIN type receiver tube is the most common and commonly used type of infrared receiver tube. It contains a special PIN diode inside, with a simple structure and low cost. When infrared radiation reaches the receiving window, the PIN diode in the photosensitive area will generate a current signal, which is suitable for a wide range of infrared applications such as remote controls and infrared sensors.

2. Avalanche type receiver tube

The Avalanche type receiver tube adopts the avalanche effect and introduces a reverse bias voltage in the photosensitive region. When the infrared signal is irradiated onto the receiving window, the reverse voltage will cause avalanche amplification effect, resulting in a significant increase in output current. This type of receiver tube has the characteristics of high sensitivity and high signal-to-noise ratio, making it suitable for application scenarios that require high performance and low power consumption.

3. Phototransistor type receiving tube

The phototransistor receiver tube consists of a photodiode and a bipolar transistor. When infrared radiation reaches the receiving window, the photodiode generates current, which in turn controls the conduction state of the transistor, significantly increasing the amplification factor of the overall device. This design enables phototransistor type receiver tubes to perform well in detecting weak signals, and is commonly used in infrared communication systems, night vision devices, and infrared thermal imaging equipment that require high sensitivity and amplification gain.

3、 Application examples of infrared receiver tubes

1. Remote control device: The infrared receiver tube is a key component for information transmission between the remote control and the controlled device. The infrared signal emitted by the remote control can be accurately captured and converted into an electrical signal by the receiver, enabling remote control of household appliances such as television, air conditioning, and audio.

2. Infrared sensor: In safety systems such as automatic doors and human detectors, the infrared receiver and transmitter work together to form an infrared light curtain. When someone or an object passes through the light curtain, it will block some infrared signals. After the receiving tube detects the signal change, it triggers the corresponding alarm or door opening action.

3. Industrial automation: In the field of industrial automation, infrared receivers are used for non-contact measurement and positioning. For example, in a robot navigation system, receiving signals from multiple directions through an infrared receiver tube can accurately calculate the position and direction of the robot, achieving precise control.

4. Infrared communication: In addition to short distance remote control applications, infrared receivers can also achieve medium to short distance infrared wireless communication under specific conditions. Under the Infrared Data Association (IrDA) standard, many devices such as laptops, mobile phones, etc. support infrared communication for data transmission and file sharing.

4、 Summary and Prospect

As an important carrier of photoelectric conversion technology, infrared receiver tubes have demonstrated strong application potential and value in multiple fields. With the advancement of technology and the diversification of demand, the development of infrared receiver tubes in the future will focus more on improving sensitivity, reducing power consumption, enhancing anti-interference ability, and expanding new application scenarios. At the same time, the integration and innovation with other technologies, such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and other fields, will bring broader market space and infinite possibilities to infrared receiver tubes.