IRM-3738 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The IRM-3738 is a remote receiver sensor manufactured by Everlight Electronics Co Ltd, designed to detect infrared signals at a center frequency of 38.0kHz with a sensing distance of 14 meters. This component is classified as an optical sensor and is mounted through-hole with side view orientation. The product is currently listed as obsolete, making identification of suitable substitute components necessary for ongoing design support, maintenance, and new production applications where equivalent functionality is required.

Substiute Parts

IRM-3738

Everlight Electronics Co LtdIn Stock: 841IRM-3738 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

TSOP38238

Vishay Semiconductor Opto DivisionIn Stock: 40683TSOP38238 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the IRM-3738 is determined by the following critical parameters that must be maintained or exceeded:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

• B.P.F. Center Frequency: 38.0kHz (exact match required for infrared protocol compatibility)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (physical form factor requirement)
• Orientation: Side View (PCB layout compatibility)
• Operating Temperature Range: Must encompass -25°C ~ 85°C minimum
• Moisture Sensitivity Level: MSL 1 or better

Secondary Compatibility Criteria:

• Voltage Supply Range: Substitute must accommodate the 2.7 V ~ 5.5 V range or be compatible with existing circuit design
• Current Supply: Substitute specifications must be evaluated against circuit power budget constraints
• Sensing Distance: Extended range is acceptable; reduced range requires circuit redesign evaluation

The TSOP38238 from Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division meets all primary compatibility criteria and qualifies as a direct substitute for the obsolete IRM-3738.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

TSOP38238 as Primary Substitute:

The TSOP38238 is the qualified substitute for the obsolete IRM-3738 based on the following engineering factors:

1. Functional Equivalence: Both components operate at 38.0kHz center frequency with identical through-hole, side-view mounting configuration, ensuring direct replacement capability in existing PCB layouts.

2. Product Status: The TSOP38238 is in active production status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity compared to the obsolete IRM-3738.

3. Compliance and Certifications: The TSOP38238 carries RoHS3 compliance certification, meeting current regulatory requirements. Both components share identical REACH Unaffected and EAR99 ECCN classifications.

4. Performance Characteristics: The TSOP38238 provides extended sensing distance (45m versus 14m) and reduced supply current (450µA versus 2mA), offering improved power efficiency without compromising the required 38.0kHz detection protocol.

5. Thermal and Environmental Compatibility: Operating temperature range and moisture sensitivity level are identical, ensuring equivalent reliability in specified environmental conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TSOP38238 be used as a direct replacement for the IRM-3738 without circuit modifications?

A: Yes. Both components share identical B.P.F. center frequency (38.0kHz), mounting type (through-hole), orientation (side view), and operating temperature range (-25°C ~ 85°C). The TSOP38238 can be directly substituted in existing PCB layouts without physical or electrical redesign.

Q: What is the significance of the different sensing distances (14m vs. 45m)?

A: The TSOP38238 provides extended sensing distance capability. In applications where the original 14m range is sufficient, the substitute will maintain or exceed performance. Extended range does not negatively impact applications designed for shorter distances.

Q: How does the lower supply current of the TSOP38238 (450µA vs. 2mA) affect circuit design?

A: The reduced current consumption of the TSOP38238 is advantageous for power-constrained applications. Existing circuits designed for 2mA operation will function correctly with the lower current draw, resulting in improved power efficiency without requiring circuit modifications.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these components?

A: The IRM-3738 packaging information is not specified in available data. The TSOP38238 is supplied in bulk packaging. Both components use through-hole mounting with side-view orientation, ensuring mechanical compatibility in standard PCB applications.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to the TSOP38238?

A: The TSOP38238 is RoHS3 compliant and carries REACH Unaffected status with EAR99 ECCN classification, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic component distribution and use.

Q: Is the minimum supply voltage difference (2.7V vs. 2.5V) a concern?

A: The TSOP38238 minimum supply voltage of 2.5V is slightly lower than the IRM-3738 specification of 2.7V. In standard applications using 3.3V or 5V supplies, this difference is not operationally significant. For applications operating near 2.5V, verify circuit design compatibility.