Line Follower 1Ch Infrared Tracking Sensor Module With TCRT5000

Features

1. TCRT5000 infrared reflective sensor capable of detecting distances from 1mm to 25mm
2. Digital output signal with logic levels 0 or 1
3. Onboard indicator LED for real-time visual feedback
4. LED turns ON when a white surface is detected
5. LED turns OFF when a black surface is detected
6. Fixed bolt hole for easy mechanical installation
7. Small PCB size suitable for space-limited applications
8. Low power consumption with 5V operation
9. High sensitivity to changes in surface reflectivity

Principle of Work

The module works on the principle of infrared reflectance sensing. An infrared LED emits light toward the target surface, and a phototransistor receives the reflected light. When the surface is black, most of the infrared light is absorbed, resulting in low reflection. This causes the comparator output to change state and the indicator LED to turn off.

When the surface is white, more infrared light is reflected back to the detector. This lowers the detector resistance, changes the comparator output, and turns the indicator LED on. This behavior allows reliable detection of black and white surfaces as well as nearby objects.

Pinout of the Module

• VCC – Power input, connect to 3.3V to 5V
• GND – Ground connection
• DO – Digital output pin providing logic 0 or 1 based on reflected infrared light

Applications

1. Line following robots
2. Obstacle and object detection
3. Proximity sensing applications
4. Industrial automation and conveyor systems
5. Security and motion detection systems
6. DIY electronics and robotics projects

Circuit

• Connect VCC to a 3.3V or 5V power supply
• Connect GND to system ground
• Connect DO to a digital input pin on the microcontroller (for example, Arduino pin 7)

Library

No library is required to use this module.

Code

The following Arduino example reads the digital output from the TCRT5000 line follower module and prints the result to the serial monitor.

const int DO_PIN = 2;

void setup() {
  pinMode(DO_PIN, INPUT);
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  int digitalValue = digitalRead(DO_PIN);

  Serial.print("Digital value: ");
  Serial.println(digitalValue);

  delay(500);
}

The code configures the DO pin as an input and continuously reads its state. The digital value is sent to the serial monitor every 500 milliseconds, allowing easy testing and verification of the sensor operation.

Technical Details

• Supply Voltage: 3.3V to 5V
• Operating Temperature Range: -25°C to +85°C
• Sensor Type: TCRT5000 infrared reflective sensor
• Detection Distance: 1mm to 25mm
• Output Type: Digital (0 or 1)
• PCB Size: 3.5cm x 1cm

Comparisons

Using the Line Follower 1 Channel Infrared Tracking Sensor Module with TCRT5000 offers advantages over using the bare TCRT5000 sensor alone. The module integrates the necessary resistors, comparator, and indicator LED, making it easier to use and reducing external component requirements. The digital output simplifies interfacing and programming, especially for beginners.

Using the standalone TCRT5000 sensor may be preferred in applications requiring custom sensitivity adjustment or a specific form factor, but for most projects, the complete module provides a faster and more efficient solution.