Infrared Remote Controlled Lights

This project was the final lab for EE 230; we were instructed to build a controller, which
alternated two LEDs on and off through a multiple frequency infrared signal. The transmitter
was to transmit two different frequencies through an infrared LED. The receiver would then
detect the signal via and infrared (IR) sensor, and turn on one of two LEDs depending on the
frequency of the received signal. To power this circuit, we were restricted to the use of a single,
3-output DC power supply.
We were given the
freedom to choose how we
approached the design of the
circuit. Initially, I had
decided to use a single
Colpitts oscillator with a
switch to select between two
capacitors of different
values, to provide the two
different frequencies. This
proved difficult, as the
values of the remainder of
the circuit also needed to
change for a stable output at
each frequency. To avoid
these problems, we changed
to a pair of Wien Bridge
oscillators to provide the
two frequencies needed to
transmit the IR signal.
Initially, we had
used a single filter circuit
with each LED across its
respective frequency range
output. This did not work
quite as expected, because
the amplifier used to boost
the incoming signal applied a slight DC bias to the signal, illuminating the low frequency LED at
all times. It also had other issues due to the loading of the LEDs. To solve these problems, we
modified the amplifier to provide a cleaner output, and changed to a band pass and high pass
filter for the LEDs, with a small capacitor paired to each to boost brightness as the signal was
rectified.

Our initial testing

quickly brought the problems
to the surface, and we were
able to identify and solve the
problems as they became
apparent. Although, our first
troubleshooting step was to
bypass the transmitter, as it
would present the most
chances for error due to noise.
The final circuit worked, but
transmission was weak due to
the limitations of the
components available.