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I am wondering if it's possible to connect multiple infrared proximity sensors as this one http://www.adafruit.com/products/1568 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!

Ok thank you very much for your answers. So a connection diagram like the one attached should work? Thank you again for your help

!Multiple infrared sensors connection diagram IMAGE DIAGRAM

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This should work, with each sensor connected to its own ADC input.

Although the data sheet indicates that the typical current is 30 mA, there is a note at the very end of the datasheet that it actually requires about 330 mA peak current, so you should use a power supply rated at 1.7 amps or more.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Ok so it should be enough to power each sensor indipendently and just connect each Vo (signal) cable to arduino? \$\endgroup\$
    – user2702370
    Mar 27, 2014 at 22:43
  • \$\begingroup\$ Excuse me just another question...why should i have at least 1.7 amps to handle safely 330 mA peak current? \$\endgroup\$
    – user2702370
    Mar 27, 2014 at 23:20
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    \$\begingroup\$ If you use a single power supply for all the sensors, the sensors could possibly all demand 350 mA at the same time - perhaps not likely, but possible. It may be possible to use a lower-current supply, but only tests will tell for sure. \$\endgroup\$
    – Peter Bennett
    Mar 28, 2014 at 0:03
  • \$\begingroup\$ Yes, each sensor should be connected to its own analog port. As an alternative, you could use an analog multiplexer and a couple of digital control lines, so you could scan through all of the sensors with one analog input port - useful when you are low on I/O or want to add a LOT of sensors. \$\endgroup\$
    – Kurt E. Clothier
    Mar 28, 2014 at 1:47
  • \$\begingroup\$ Ok thank you very much for your answers. So a connection diagram like the one attached should work? Thank you again for your help i.stack.imgur.com/zuT1A.jpg \$\endgroup\$
    – user2702370
    Mar 28, 2014 at 8:03

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