TCRT5000 Reflective Optical Sensor Infrared IR Switch infrared

TCRT5000 Reflective Optical Sensor Infrared IR Switch infrared is an Infrared LED and an Infrared detector. It works by transmitting a beam of Infrared light downward towards a surface which is then reflected back and read by the detector.

When the infrared transmitter emits a beam of light to a piece of paper, if the rays shine on a white surface, they will be reflected and in turn be received by the Infrared detector , and pin S on the module will output a low level; If the beam of light encounters a black line, they will be absorbed, thus the Infrared detector gets nothing, and pin S will output a high level.

So this module basically acts like a simple switch when it gets close to a white / black object. You can adjust the sensitivity with the potentiometer on the module

You have to be about 2.5cm from white paper but some objects you may have to be slightly closer for other objects. This is the module that I used – there are a couple of minor variations to this one but generally they all work the same way.

Features:

• Detector type: phototransistor
• Operating range within > 20 % relative collector current: 0.2 mm to 15 mm
• Daylight blocking filter
• Emitter wavelength: 950 nm
• Lead (Pb)-free soldering released

Specification:

•  Model:TCRT5000
•  Operating Voltage Range:3.6~5 VDC
•  Average Current Consumption (mA):60
•  Distance Measuring Range:0.591″ (15mm);
•  Peak operating distance:2.5 mm
•  Output Type: Phototransistor
•  Working Temperature Range:-25~85ºC
•  Color: Black + blue
•  Material: Plastic + iron
•  Detecting method: Reflective
•  Transistor Properties: Collector-Emitter: Voltage: 70V; Collector Current: 100mA; Forward Current: 60mA.
•  Dimensions (L x W x H in mm)
•  Weight (gm)

Application:

• Position sensor for shaft encoder
• Detection of reflective material such as paper, IBM cards,?magnetic tapes etc.
• Limit switch for mechanical motions in VCR
• General purpose – wherever the space is limited

Package Includes :

• 1 Pcs x TCRT5000 Reflective IR sensor photoelectric switch