Communication Using Infrared Technology

Infrared band of the electromagnet corresponds to 430THz to 300GHz and a wavelength of 980nm. The propagation of light waves in this band can be used for a communication system (for transmission and reception) of data. This communication can be between two portable devices or between a portable device and a fixed device.There are two types of Infrared communicationPoint to Point: It requires a line of sight between the transmitter and a receiver. In other words the transmitter and the receiver should be pointed to each other and there shouldn’t be any obstacles between them. Example is the remote control communication.Diffuse Point: It doesn’t require any line of sight and the link between the transmitter and the receiver is maintained by reflecting or bouncing of the transmitted signal by surfaces like ceilings, roof, etc. Example is the wireless LAN communication systemAdvantages of IR communication:Security: Infrared communication has high directionality and can identify the source as different sources emit radiation of different frequencies and thus the risk of information being diffused is eliminated.Safety: Infrared radiation is not harmful to human beings. Hence infrared communication can be used at any place.High Speed data Communication: The data rate of Infrared communication is about 1Gbps and can be used for sending information like video signal.