the infrared led of an irda module transmits ir energy with a peak wavelength appropriate for irda communication . this peak wavelength is lower than is the wavelength used in ordinary ir remote controls . the irda led does , however , transmit some energy at the wavelength of the peak sensitivity of an rc receiver . when making an irda transmission , the irda led is driven with a lower amount of current . when making an rc transmission , the irda led is driven with an increased amount of current such that higher wavelength emissions received by the rc receiver are of adequate power to realize rc communication . a passive circuit is disclosed for automatically increasing irda led current during rc transmissions . the circuit involves an inductor that shunts current around a current - limiting resistor used to limit led drive current .