Experiment 20: Analyzing Infrared Remote Signals

Objective: Capture and decode signals from an infrared (IR) remote control.

Background:

Infrared communication is widely used in remote controls for electronic devices. The transmitted signals are typically modulated using a specific protocol such as NEC, RC5, or Sony, which can be decoded to extract the command data.

Steps:

  1. Set Up the Hardware:
    • Connect an IR receiver module to a microcontroller or logic analyzer.
    • Ensure the IR receiver is powered correctly and positioned to receive signals from the remote.
  2. Capture the Signal:
    • Point the remote control at the IR receiver and press a button.
    • Use the microcontroller or analyzer software to record the waveform.
  3. Decode the Signal:
    • Analyze the recorded waveform to determine its modulation scheme.
    • Use an appropriate protocol decoder (e.g., NEC, RC5) to extract the command data.
  4. Validate the Decoded Data:
    • Compare the decoded signal with the expected output based on the remote control's specifications.

Expected Outcome:

By completing this experiment, you will understand the principles of IR communication and learn how to decode signals from various IR remote protocols effectively.