Interfacing IR Flame Sensor with Arduino

Introduction

Flame sensors are essential components in many applications such as fire alarms, gas leak detectors, and industrial heating systems. Infrared (IR) flame sensors are particularly useful in detecting flames and distinguishing them from other light sources. However, interfacing the analog output of an IR flame sensor with an Arduino can be challenging.

This article will guide you through the process of interfacing an “IR Flame Sensor” with an Arduino, allowing you to create your own flame detection system.

What is IR Flame Sensor?

An IR flame sensor is an electronic device that detects the presence of a flame by sensing its infrared radiation. When a flame is detected, the sensor produces an analog output signal that corresponds to the intensity of the infrared radiation detected. This analog output signal can be used to determine the presence and intensity of a flame, allowing the sensor to be used in a variety of applications such as fire alarms, gas leak detectors, and industrial heating systems.

Hardware Components

To interface an IR Flame Sensor with Arduino, you’ll need the following hardware components to get started:

Components	Value	Qty
Arduino UNO	–	1
USB Cable Type A to B	–	1
DC Power for Arduino	–	1
IR Flame Sensor	–	1
Jumper Wires	–	1

IR Flame Sensor Pinout

Pin Name	Pin Description
OUT	Analog Output
VCC	Module power supply – 5V
GND	Ground

IR Flame Sensor Analog Output Circuit

Make connections according to the circuit diagram given below.

Wiring / Connections

Arduino	IR Flame Sensor
5V	VCC
GND	GND
A0	OUT

Installing Arduino IDE

First, you need to install Arduino IDE Software from its official website Arduino. Here is a simple step-by-step guide on “How to install Arduino IDE“.

Code

Now copy the following code and upload it to Arduino IDE Software.

void setup() {
  pinMode(A0,INPUT);
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  Serial.println(analogRead(A0));
  delay(100);
}

Code Explanation

This Arduino code sets up the microcontroller to read the analog input signal from pin A0, which is connected to an analog output sensor such as an IR flame sensor.

In the void setup() function, the pinMode function is used to configure the A0 pin as an input. Additionally, the Serial.begin function is used to initialize the serial communication between the Arduino and the computer at a baud rate of 9600.

In the void loop() function, the analogRead the function reads the analog input signal from pin A0, which is proportional to the intensity of the flame detected by the sensor. The Serial.println function is used to print the value of the analog input signal to the serial monitor on the computer, allowing the user to visualize the output signal. The delay function is used to pause the program for 100 milliseconds before the next reading is taken, to prevent overloading the system with too many readings. This loop will repeat continuously, allowing the user to monitor the analog output signal from the sensor in real time.

Applications

Here are some applications of IR Flame Sensors:

• Fire detection and prevention systems in buildings, homes, and industrial settings
• Gas leak detection systems in homes and industrial settings
• Flame detection and monitoring in industrial heating and combustion systems
• Flame detection in the furnace and boiler systems
• Detection of flames in welding and cutting operations
• Detection of gas burner flames in commercial and residential ovens and cookers
• Safety systems in automotive and aerospace industries to detect engine fires and explosions
• Detection of flames in power plants and electrical substations
• Detection of flare stacks and pilot flames in oil and gas production plants.

Conclusion

Interfacing an IR flame sensor analog output with an Arduino opens up a world of possibilities for flame detection systems. With the right knowledge and tools, you can easily create a system that is capable of detecting flames and providing an immediate response, preventing potential disasters.