Product Description

TCRT5000 Infrared Reflective Sensor Module

Name: TCRT5000 INFRARED SENSORS
Brand: HIMASTORES
SKU: HMJ056
Price: 150.00 KES
Availability: InStock

5V Digital/Analog IR Detector for Line Following and Obstacle Avoidance

The TCRT5000 is a popular reflective optical sensor module combining an infrared emitter and a phototransistor in one compact package . It detects objects and surfaces by measuring reflected IR light, producing both digital and analog outputs for line following, obstacle detection, and object counting projects .

 Reflective Optical Sensor - Detects objects by measuring reflected infrared light

 Dual Output Modes - Provides both analog and digital signals with adjustable threshold

Operating voltage: 5V DC with onboard comparator and potentiometer for sensitivity adjustment

Detection distance: 1mm to 15mm (optimal 2-8mm) depending on surface reflectivity

For line following, place sensor 5-10mm above the surface for best contrast detection

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Value
Operating Voltage	5V DC
Output Modes	Analog (AO) and Digital (DO)
Comparator IC	LM393
Detection Range	2mm to 15mm (adjustable)
Effective Range	1mm to 8mm
Power Consumption	<100mA

= Key Features =

+Adjustable Sensitivity - Onboard potentiometer sets the digital output trigger threshold

+Power and Signal LEDs - Visual indicators for module status and object detection

+Mounting Holes - M3 holes for secure attachment to robot chassis

+Wide Compatibility - Works with 3.3V to 5V logic systems

= Applications =

Line following robots and maze solving
Obstacle avoidance for smart cars
Object counting and edge detection
Optical tachometer and RPM measurement
Position sensing and limit switches

CostEffective Sensor Low-cost solution for reflective object detection

Wide Contrast Detection - Reliably detects black, white, and gray surfaces

√ Compatible with Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, and other MCUs

√ Available as bare module or with cable

√ Easy integration with popular robotics libraries

Connecting TCRT5000 to Arduino

Sensor Pin	Arduino Pin	Function
VCC	5V	Power supply
GND	GND	Ground
AO	A0	Analog signal (object distance)
DO	D2	Digital signal (threshold trigger)

> Use analog output for variable reflectance reading (e.g., line position)

Use digital output for simple object detection (HIGH/LOW based on threshold)

Adjust potentiometer for different surface colors

Working Principle

The sensor works by emitting infrared light from the IR LED . When an object is close, the light reflects back to the phototransistor, which changes its resistance . The LM393 comparator converts this analog signal to a digital output with adjustable sensitivity . High reflectance surfaces (e.g., white paper) produce a higher output voltage, while low reflectance surfaces (e.g., black paper) produce a lower output voltage .

For line following, the sensor reads low on white surfaces and high on black surfaces (or vice versa)

Place the sensor 5-10mm above the track for reliable line detection

Adjust the potentiometer to the point where the sensor triggers just as the color transitions