An infrared remote control system can control equipment from a distance without physical contact and at low cost. Due to this feature, infrared remote controllers are used not only in commercial electronic appliances such as TVs, VCRs,CATVs, audio systems, air conditioners, fans, illumination systems, and toys, but also in office machines and industrial systems, including electronic pocket books, keyboards, automatic curtains and doors. NEC developed remote controller signal transmitter IC light-emitting elements, receiver elements, and preamplifiers for the first time in Japan in 1978, and since then, it has developed high-performance, original products as an industry pioneer. NEC developed the single-function 4-bit microcontroller mPD6133 series in 1995. With this microcontroller, products can be designed, developed, and evaluated using a software simulator, without a hardware in-circuit emulator. NEC also plans to develop more products that can provide total support for the remote controller system needs of the future. This Selection Guide outlines ICs and microcontrollers for infrared remote controllers that NEC recommends. For further information on each device, refer to its Data Sheet or User’s Manual.