What Is the TCRT5000? Reflective IR Sensor: Specs and Uses
The TCRT5000 is a reflective optical sensor combining an IR LED and a phototransistor. It measures the infrared reflected from a nearby surface to distinguish black/white or object presence; it is used in line-following robots and encoders. Its optimum range is very short (~1–8 mm); the module has an LM393 comparator + pot for a digital (DO) and an analog (AO) output.
The TCRT5000 is a reflective optical sensor that combines an infrared LED and a phototransistor in one body. It measures the infrared reflected from a nearby surface to distinguish objects/colors (black vs white). For the concept, see what is a sensor.
What is the TCRT5000 used for?
Line-following robots (black line/white floor), encoders/lap counters, object presence and proximity detection. A white surface reflects a lot (high signal), black reflects little (low signal); the line/object is detected from this difference.
Connection
Raw TCRT5000: IR LED (anode/cathode) + phototransistor (collector/emitter), driven with resistors. Its ready module has an LM393 comparator + pot for a digital (DO) output plus an analog (AO) output.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Reflective IR optical sensor |
| Optimum distance | ~1–8 mm (very short range) |
| Output (module) | Analog (AO) + digital (DO, LM393) |
Watch out
Its range is very short (mm scale); for long distance use the HC-SR04 or an IR distance sensor. Ambient light and surface color/gloss affect the result; set the threshold (pot) in the environment.
Equivalents
- CNY70: a similar reflective optical sensor.
- QRE1113: an optical sensor for line following.
- GP2Y0A21: a long-range IR distance sensor (a different class).
Find it in our catalog
Use the TCRT5000 search.