Is it possible to avoid using 3rd pin on 3 pin IR detector?

Question

I've been looking around for IR detectors and i only seemed to come across 3-pin diodes; i would feel much comfortable wiring is there was only 2 pins. so is there a way i can avoid wiring the ground pin or can someone direct me to a site where i could purchase 2-pin IR photodiodes that are roughly inexpensive i need 189 of them.

Robert Peter Oakes · Accepted Answer

The reason there are three pins is because two are for power, one is for data

with IR remote receiver devices (Which your probably finding in your search) like these the device does more than a simple IR detection, many have a built in 38Khz decoder to save you having to deal with it, it output the native IR Remote codes less the carrier frequency

either way, two pins are for power and one data, so you can not easily get rid of one pin. If you replaced it with a true and simple IR Photo resistor or transistor then u could get rid of a pin but you may need additional circuitry or code

dougw · Answer

2 pin photodiodes will need an amplifier to make their signal useful, which could end up to be a lot of circuitry.

3 pin semiconductor light sensors can have amplification built-in, but the price is higher as well as having more pins.

2 pin phototransistors are probably better for your application and may cost about 8 cents each.

2 pin photodarlingtons are even more sensitive and probably best for your application and may cost about 30 cents each.

2 pin CdS sensors cost less than 6 cents each, but need an external transistor to control other LEDs and they start to lose sensitivity at IR wavelengths.