TCRT5000 line sensor - IR reflective sensor, 3.3-5 V, up to 3 cm

Product overview

• Reflective optical sensor for line following and object detection
• Detects brightness differences through infrared light reflection
• Measuring range up to approximately 3 cm distance
• Analog output for continuously variable brightness values
• Digital output with configurable threshold
• Operating voltage 3.3 to 5 V
• Low power consumption, can be connected directly to a microcontroller

Product description

The reflective optical sensor uses an infrared LED and a photoresistor to detect surface properties. The LED illuminates the observed material, and the photoresistor measures the amount of reflected light. Darker material reflects less light and produces a different measured value than light or white material.

The sensor provides two outputs that can be used in parallel: an analog channel with voltage values between 0 and approximately 5 V depending on brightness, and a digital output that switches between state 0 and 1 when a configured threshold is reached. This allows you to retrieve continuous information or simply determine whether a line is beneath the sensor, depending on your requirements.

With a working distance of up to 3 centimeters, the module is ideal for line following with robots and remote-controlled models. It also reliably detects transparent or white markings on dark backgrounds. Black or very dark surfaces, on the other hand, are clearly distinguished. In production processes, the sensor can be used to signal the passage of objects or detect positioning errors.

The sensor operates with a voltage between 3.3 V and 5 V, enabling direct connection to common controller boards. The analog output is connected to an analog input, while the digital output is connected to a digital pin. No additional power supply is required because the sensor consumes little power. However, the digital threshold potentiometer must be adjusted before commissioning so that the switching threshold matches the local lighting conditions.

Safety information

The infrared LED must not be directed into the human eye. The module is intended exclusively for prototyping and for testing and development purposes. Work on or near electrical installations must be carried out by qualified electricians; if you are unsure about integrating the module into existing circuits, consult a qualified electrician before commissioning.

Scope of delivery

1x TCRT5000 - Reflective optical sensor with transistor output