Universal remote decoder
Read the codes from any handheld remote and print them, then replay them to control other gear.
IR Receiver (TSOP4838)
A TSOP4838 infrared receiver module that demodulates 38 kHz remote-control signals into a clean digital output.
What is the IR Receiver (TSOP4838)?
The IR receiver is a self-contained module (the Vishay TSOP4838) that detects the infrared light from a TV or appliance remote and turns it into a logic signal a microcontroller can read. Inside are a photodiode, an amplifier, and a 38 kHz band-pass filter and demodulator, so the output already strips away the carrier and gives you just the data bits.
It has three pins: OUT, GND, and VCC. The output idles HIGH and pulls LOW when a matching 38 kHz burst arrives, so decoding libraries measure the timing of those LOW and HIGH pulses to recover the remote code. The TSOP4838 is tuned specifically for a 38 kHz carrier, which is the most common remote frequency.
It runs from roughly 2.5 to 5.5 V, so it works directly with both 5 V and 3.3 V boards. Because it responds only to modulated 38 kHz light, it ignores steady ambient light and most background infrared, which makes remote decoding reliable indoors.
IR Receiver (TSOP4838) pinout
| Pin | Function | Type |
|---|---|---|
OUT Signal OUT | Digital | Open collector |
GND GND | Power | Power in |
VCC VCC | Power | Power in |
Specifications
- Operating voltage
- 3.3 V (max 5 V)
- Interface
- GPIO timing (Trigger / Echo)
- Dimensions
- 5 × 7.5 × 6 mm
Verified from the Tinkered component library.
Circuit requirements
- Power it from 2.5 to 5.5 V and share a common ground with the microcontroller. It works with both 5 V and 3.3 V logic.
- Vishay recommends a supply filter: put a 100 ohm resistor in series with VCC and a capacitor of at least 100 nF (4.7 uF is common) from VCC to GND, close to the module, to suppress power-supply noise.
- The OUT pin idles HIGH and goes LOW on a valid 38 kHz burst. Connect it to any digital input and use an IR decoding library (for example IRremote) to read the pulse timing.
- Match the carrier frequency to the module. A TSOP4838 is a 38 kHz part; remotes that use a different carrier (for example 36 or 40 kHz) will still work but with reduced range and sensitivity.
Board compatibility
The IR Receiver (TSOP4838) connects to any of the microcontrollers supported in Tinkered. Mind the 3.3 V logic level on 3.3 V boards.
Common IR Receiver (TSOP4838) mistakes
Confusing it with a bare IR photodiode
This module already demodulates the 38 kHz carrier and outputs clean data. Treating it like a raw photodiode and trying to sample the carrier yourself gives noise, not codes.
Swapping the pinout
The pin order is not the same on every module. Reversing VCC and GND can damage the part, and a wrong OUT pin gives no signal. Check the specific board silkscreen or datasheet before wiring.
Skipping the supply filter
Without the recommended series resistor and decoupling capacitor, power-supply noise can cause spurious pulses and dropped codes, especially on a busy breadboard.
Expecting it to work outdoors
Strong sunlight contains broadband infrared that can saturate the receiver and cut range dramatically. These modules are designed for indoor remote-control use.
IR Receiver (TSOP4838) datasheet
Official IR Receiver (TSOP4838) datasheet
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Build with the IR Receiver (TSOP4838).
Drop the IR Receiver (TSOP4838) into a circuit, write firmware, and simulate it in your browser, then deploy to real hardware. All in one editable Tinkered project.