I am wondering if it's possible to connect multiple infrared proximity sensors as this one to an Arduino Uno. I would need to connect 5 of them pointing in different directions.
Should I use an external power supply for each of them to be sure they are all running at 5 V? Should I be aware of something else, or it should be just plug and play as if I was using just one sensor? Thank you very much for your support. Any suggestion is highly appreciated!
Edit:
Ok, so a connection diagram like the one attached should work?
1 Answer 1
This should work, with each sensor connected to its own ADC input.
Although the data sheet indicates that the typical current is 30 mA, there is a note at the very end of the datasheet that it actually requires about 330 mA peak current, so you should use a power supply rated at 1.7 amps or more.
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\$\begingroup\$ Ok so it should be enough to power each sensor indipendently and just connect each Vo (signal) cable to arduino? \$\endgroup\$user2702370– user27023702014年03月27日 22:43:35 +00:00Commented Mar 27, 2014 at 22:43
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\$\begingroup\$ Excuse me just another question...why should i have at least 1.7 amps to handle safely 330 mA peak current? \$\endgroup\$user2702370– user27023702014年03月27日 23:20:02 +00:00Commented Mar 27, 2014 at 23:20
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1\$\begingroup\$ If you use a single power supply for all the sensors, the sensors could possibly all demand 350 mA at the same time - perhaps not likely, but possible. It may be possible to use a lower-current supply, but only tests will tell for sure. \$\endgroup\$Peter Bennett– Peter Bennett2014年03月28日 00:03:05 +00:00Commented Mar 28, 2014 at 0:03
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\$\begingroup\$ Yes, each sensor should be connected to its own analog port. As an alternative, you could use an analog multiplexer and a couple of digital control lines, so you could scan through all of the sensors with one analog input port - useful when you are low on I/O or want to add a LOT of sensors. \$\endgroup\$Kurt E. Clothier– Kurt E. Clothier2014年03月28日 01:47:45 +00:00Commented Mar 28, 2014 at 1:47
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\$\begingroup\$ Ok thank you very much for your answers. So a connection diagram like the one attached should work? Thank you again for your help i.sstatic.net/zuT1A.jpg \$\endgroup\$user2702370– user27023702014年03月28日 08:03:01 +00:00Commented Mar 28, 2014 at 8:03