Texas Instruments BOOST-IR

Overview

BOOST-IR from Texas Instruments is a 20-pin BoosterPack™ plug-in module designed to add infrared (IR) transceiver functionality to TI LaunchPad™ development kits. It integrates an IR LED transmitter, TSOP59348 IR receiver + demodulator (38 kHz), and a 4×4 membrane keypad - enabling rapid prototyping of remote control applications such as TV and air conditioner remotes.

For engineers reviewing the BOOST-IR datasheet, BOOST-IR pinout, BOOST-IR application, or BOOST-IR equivalent, this module supports ASK modulation with pulse distance encoding, hardware-assisted IR generation on MSP430FR4133, and flexible jumper-selectable transmit control (hardware IR module or PWM).

Technical Context

The BOOST-IR implements a complete IR transceiver interface using discrete analog front-end circuitry: the TSOP59348 performs carrier demodulation at 38 kHz and outputs the baseband envelope directly to MCU timer capture pins (e.g., TA0.2 on MSP-EXP430FR4133). Transmit power is set via R2 (47 Ω), enabling adjustable IR LED current for range tuning.

Hardware compatibility is defined by the 20-pin BoosterPack standard; it avoids I²C/SPI pins to allow stacking with other BoosterPacks below it in the stack. Jumper J4 selects between hardware IR modulation (J1.4, tied to UART TX on compatible LaunchPads) or software-driven PWM control (J2.19), ensuring cross-platform usability.

Key Specifications

Availability

BOOST-IR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for TV remote control prototyping, air conditioner remote development, and universal IR learning-mode applications requiring stable component supply and full evaluation board traceability.

Supply support for BOOST-IR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The BOOST-IR belongs to TI's BoosterPack ecosystem - a family of standardized plug-in modules designed to accelerate embedded development by providing ready-to-use hardware interfaces for sensors, wireless, power, and communication peripherals on LaunchPad platforms.

FAQ

What is the BOOST-IR used for?

The BOOST-IR is a plug-in module that adds infrared transceiver capability to TI LaunchPad development kits. It enables engineers to prototype remote control applications using its onboard IR LED transmitter, TSOP59348 38 kHz receiver + demodulator, and 4×4 membrane keypad. The BOOST-IR supports both hardware-assisted and software-driven IR transmission, making it ideal for evaluating ASK modulation, pulse distance encoding, and IR learning-mode firmware on MSP430FR4133 and compatible MCUs.

Which LaunchPad kits are compatible with BOOST-IR?

BOOST-IR is compatible with any 20-pin LaunchPad kit adhering to the TI BoosterPack standard, including MSP-EXP430G2, MSP-EXP430FR5969, and MSP-EXP430FR4133. Its pinout avoids I²C and SPI signals to allow stacking with other BoosterPacks placed below it. For hardware IR module operation (J1.4), the MSP-EXP430FR4133 is explicitly supported; PWM-based transmit works across all 20-pin LaunchPads.

How does the BOOST-IR handle IR signal demodulation?

The BOOST-IR uses the Vishay TSOP59348 integrated IR receiver, which internally performs photodiode detection, transimpedance amplification, bandpass filtering, and 38 kHz carrier demodulation. It outputs a clean baseband envelope signal directly to MCU timer capture pins (e.g., TA0.2 on MSP-EXP430FR4133), eliminating the need for external analog signal conditioning. This allows firmware to decode pulse distance protocols by measuring edge timing without real-time carrier processing.

Can the BOOST-IR transmit at frequencies other than 38 kHz?

The BOOST-IR's transmit path is fully software- or hardware-controlled and supports arbitrary carrier frequencies - but its onboard TSOP59348 receiver is fixed at 38 kHz. To receive at other frequencies (e.g., 36 kHz or 40 kHz), the TSOP59348 must be replaced with a drop-in alternative like TSOP58436 or TSOP58440, as listed in Table 1 of the user's guide. The BOOST-IR schematic and layout support this replacement without PCB modification.

Does BOOST-IR support IR learning mode?

Yes - BOOST-IR supports IR learning mode when paired with an MSP430FR4133 LaunchPad. The FRAM memory enables high-speed, wear-free logging of raw IR timing data captured via timer input capture. The learning-mode example firmware records edge transitions of demodulated signals and replays them precisely, supporting any ASK-based protocol (e.g., NEC, RC-5) as long as the carrier is 38 kHz. Code storage capacity depends on available FRAM size and signal length.