TCS3200 Color Sensor – KSH 700 at HIMASTORES Mombasa – best electronics in Kenya
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TCS3200 Color Sensor

SKU: HMJ069 Category: Sensors
KSH 700.00
In Stock

Product Description

TCS3200 Color Sensor Module

Static Color Recognition and Identification for Arduino Projects

The TCS3200 is a color sensor module that detects and identifies colors by converting light intensity into a variable frequency square wave, making it ideal for color sorting, matching, and environmental sensing projects [citation:1].

Converts Color to Frequency - Outputs a square wave with frequency directly proportional to light intensity [citation:2][citation:4]
Adjustable Sensitivity Onboard LEDs for filllight and frequency scaling options [citation:5]
The sensor chip, TCS3200, features an 8x8 array of photodiodes with red, green, blue, and clear filters [citation:7].
It detects the color of a surface by measuring the reflected light, ideal for color sorting machines, and test strip readers [citation:1][citation:6].
Use the pins S0 and S1 to set the output frequency scaling to 2, 20%, or 100% [citation:1].
The sensor detects color at a static distance; the recommended detection distance is about 10mm [citation:1][citation:7].

Technical Specifications

ParameterValue
:-:-
Sensor ChipTCS3200 (RGB color detector) [citation:2]
Power Supply2.7V to 5.5V (typically 5V) [citation:2][citation:7]
OutputSquare Wave (frequency proportional to light intensity) [citation:1]
Detection Distance~10mm [citation:1][citation:7]
Interface PinsS0, S1, S2, S3, OUT, LED [citation:1]

= How to Use It =

The TCS3200 uses frequency scaling and photodiode filtering to measure color components [citation:7]. By selecting different filters (via S2/S3 pins) and scaling (via S0/S1 pins), the sensor's output pin produces a frequency that varies with the intensity of that specific color.

PinNameFunction
:-:-:-
S0/S1Scaling SelectionSet output frequency to 2, 20%, or 100% [citation:1]
S2/S3Filter SelectionSelect the color filter: RED, GREEN, BLUE, or CLEAR [citation:1]
OUTFrequency OutputOutputs a square wave based on selected color and intensity [citation:1]
LEDFill-Light ControlEnable/disable the onboard white LEDs [citation:1]

> For accurate color measurement, you must perform a white balance calibration each time the module is powered on or the lighting changes [citation:1][citation:6].

Applications

  1. Color sorting and identification systems [citation:1]
  2. Color calibration and sensing for industrial use [citation:1]
  3. Test strip readers and color matching projects [citation:1]
  4. Educational color sensing projects with Arduino or Raspberry Pi
Versatile color sensing - Detects and identifies a wide range of colors for both hobbyist and industrial applications.
Simple microcontroller interface - Outputs a frequency signal that is easy to read with Arduino or other microcontrollers.

√ Widely available and affordable color sensor module

√ Onboard LEDs for controlled light conditions

√ Adjustable frequency scaling for fast and accurate readings

Troubleshooting

Inconsistent or inaccurate readings:

  • Ensure the sensor is at the recommended 10mm distance from the surface [citation:1].
  • Perform a white balance calibration procedure [citation:1].
  • Avoid strong external ambient light interfering with the sensor [citation:1].

Module not working:

  • Check the VCC and GND connections for proper voltage (2.7V-5.5V).
  • Verify the pin wiring for S0, S1, S2, S3, and OUT.
  • Test the OUT pin for any frequency change with a known color object.