Consumer Infrared (CIR) vs. IrDA
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.
Consumer Infrared (CIR) is a line-of-sight optical wireless communication standard utilizing near-infrared light (typically 940 nm or 880 nm) modulated on a 36 kHz to 56 kHz subcarrier (38 kHz nominal). Governed by established encoding protocols (NEC, Philips RC-5/RC-6, Sony SIRC), it is the global standard for televisions, audio systems, and HVAC remote controls.
IrDA is a point-to-point, line-of-sight optical data transmission standard developed by the Infrared Data Association. Operating at 850–900 nm over distances up to 1 meter, it evolved from 115.2 kbps Serial Infrared (SIR) to 4 Mbps Fast Infrared (FIR) and 16 Mbps Very Fast Infrared (VFIR) for wireless printing, laptop file exchange, and mobile synchronization.
Specification Comparison Table
11 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Optical Wavelength
|
940 nm (Near-Infrared, invisible to human eye) | 850 to 900 nm |
|
Subcarrier Modulation Frequencies
|
36 kHz, 38 kHz (Dominant standard), 40 kHz, 56 kHz | — |
|
Major Protocol Formats
|
NEC (32-bit Pulse Distance), Philips RC-5 (Bi-Phase/Manchester 36 kHz), Sony SIRC (12/15/20-bit Pulse Width) | — |
|
Typical Range
|
5 to 10 m (line-of-sight / reflected indoor surfaces) | — |
|
Data Payload Rate
|
Low (~100 to 1,000 bps) | — |
|
Receiver Filtering
|
Integrated Photodiode + 38 kHz Bandpass Filter IC (e.g. Vishay TSOP series) | — |
|
Nominal Range
|
— | 0 to 1.0 m (at ±15° cone angle) |
|
Standard Speed Tiers
|
— | SIR (up to 115.2 kbps), MIR (1.152 Mbps), FIR (4.0 Mbps), VFIR (16.0 Mbps), UFIR (96.0 Mbps) |
|
Pulse Encoding (SIR)
|
— | Return-to-Zero (RZ) with 3/16th bit duration pulse |
|
Pulse Encoding (FIR)
|
— | 4PPM (4-Pulse Position Modulation) |
|
Software Protocol Stack
|
— | IrLAP (Link Access), IrLMP (Link Management), Tiny TP, IrOBEX (Object Exchange) |