Multiple infrared proximity sensors and Arduino

Development Boards Arduino
1

I am wondering if it’s possible to connect multiple infrared proximity sensors as this one https://www.sparkfun.com/products/8958 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 5V? 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 higly appreciated!

2

Absolutely. Those IR sensors output a variable DC level (depending on proximity) so you can add as many as you have Analog inputs. Each sensor draws 30mA or so if I remember right. You’ll have to check the datasheet to be sure. It’s not a bad idea to connect them to a separate power supply. I don’t think they are much worse than an LED so I don’t think they will stress an arduino’s supply too much.

Good Luck.