The Line Follower 1Ch Infrared Tracking Sensor Module With TCRT5000 is a small circuit board that includes a TCRT5000 infrared reflective sensor. It is designed to measure the distance between 1mm to 25mm and operates on a 5V power supply. The module outputs a digital signal, which can be either 0 or 1. There are three output pins on the board, including VCC, and it has a fixed bolt-hole for easy installation. The module's small size, which measures 3.5cm x 1cm, and it has an Indicator LED for visual feedback, makes it ideal for various applications such as meter pulse data sampling, fax machines, paper shredders, obstacle detection, and black and white line detection.

 

Package Includes:

• 1 x Line Follower 1Ch Infrared Tracking Sensor Module With TCRT5000

 

Features:

1. TCRT5000 infrared reflective sensor: The module includes a high-quality TCRT5000 infrared reflective sensor that is capable of measuring distances between 1mm and 25mm with high precision.
2. Digital output signal: The module outputs a digital signal, which can be either 0 or 1. This output format makes it easy to interface with other digital devices such as microcontrollers or Arduino boards.
3. Indicator LED for visual feedback: Turns on when the sensor detects a white surface Turns off when the sensor detects a black surface Can be used to indicate the status of the sensor in real-time
4. Fixed bolt hole for easy installation: The module is designed with a fixed bolt hole, which makes it easy to install in a variety of applications.
5. Small PCB board size: The module's small size, which measures only 3.5cm x 1cm, makes it an ideal choice for applications where space is limited.
6. Low power consumption: The module operates on a 5V power supply and has a low power consumption, making it an energy-efficient solution for many applications.
7. Versatile applications: The module is commonly used for meter pulse data sampling, fax machines, paper shredders, obstacle detection, and black and white line detection.
8. High sensitivity: The TCRT5000 sensor is highly sensitive and can detect even small changes in distance or reflectivity.
9. Low cost: The Line Follower 1Ch Infrared Tracking Sensor Module With TCRT5000 is an affordable solution for applications that require high-precision distance measurement and object detection.

 

Description:

The Line Follower 1Ch Infrared Tracking Sensor Module With TCRT5000 is a small but powerful circuit board that is designed to detect objects and measure distances accurately. The module uses a TCRT5000 infrared reflective sensor, which emits infrared light and then measures the amount of light that is reflected back from a surface. This method of measurement is commonly known as reflectance sensing. The TCRT5000 sensor is capable of measuring distances between 1mm and 25mm with high precision, making it ideal for applications that require accurate object detection and distance measurement. It operates on a 5V power supply, which is the standard voltage for most microcontrollers and electronic circuits. The module outputs a digital signal, which can be either 0 or 1. This output format makes it easy to interface with other digital devices such as microcontrollers or Arduino boards. The module has three output pins, including VCC, which is used to power the module. The Line Follower 1Ch Infrared Tracking Sensor Module With TCRT5000 is designed with a fixed bolt hole, which makes it easy to install in a variety of applications. Its small PCB board size, which measures only 3.5cm x 1cm, makes it an ideal choice for applications where space is limited.

 

Principle of Work:

The TCRT5000 IR Track Sensor works based on the principle of reflectance sensing. The module includes an IR LED (infrared light emitting diode) and an IR detector. The IR LED continuously emits infrared light toward a surface, and the IR detector receives the reflected light. When the emitted light hits a black surface, it absorbs the light, resulting in less light being reflected toward the detector. As a result, the resistance of the detector increases, and the output of the LM393 Comparator chip becomes high. This causes the indicator LED to turn off, indicating that the sensor is detecting a black surface. Conversely, when the emitted light hits a white surface, it reflects more light toward the detector. This results in the resistance of the detector decreasing, and the output of the LM393 Comparator chip becoming low. This causes the indicator LED to turn on, indicating that the sensor is detecting a white surface. The TCRT5000 IR Track Sensor can be used to detect objects and measure distances with high precision.

 

Pinout of the Module:

• VCC: The power input pin. Connect this pin to a regulated voltage source between 3.3V and 5V.
• GND: The ground pin. Connect this pin to the ground of the power supply.
• DO The digital output pin. This pin provides a digital on/off signal based on the amount of reflected infrared light. When the amount of reflected light exceeds the threshold set by the potentiometer

 

Applications:

1. Line following robots: The TCRT5000 module can be used to detect lines or tracks on a surface and help guide a robot along a predetermined path.
2. Object detection: The module can be used to detect the presence or absence of objects on a reflective surface, making it useful for detecting obstacles, traffic flow, and other moving objects.
3. Proximity sensing: The module's ability to detect reflective surfaces at distances ranging from 1mm to 25mm makes it useful for proximity sensing applications, such as detecting the presence of a hand near a dispenser or touchless control of home appliances.
4. Industrial automation: The module can be used in industrial automation applications for detecting the position of parts on a conveyor belt or for detecting the level of liquids in a tank.
5. Security systems: The module can be used to detect motion in a specific area by reflecting infrared light off of surfaces and detecting any changes in the reflected light pattern.
6. DIY projects: The TCRT5000 module is a popular sensor for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts who want to build their own robots, smart devices, or other electronic projects that require reflective surface detection.

 

Circuit:

• Connect the VCC pin on the module to a 3.3V to 5V power supply.
• Connect the GND pin on the module to the ground of the power supply.
• Connect the DO pin on the module to a digital input pin on the Arduino (pin 7).

 

Library:

No need for a library to work with this module.

 

Code:

The last code I provided is a simple Arduino sketch that reads the digital output value from the Line Follower 1 Channel Infrared Tracking Detection Sensor TCRT5000 module and prints them to the serial monitor. This code can be useful for testing the Line Follower 1 Channel Infrared Tracking Detection Sensor TCRT5000 module and verifying that it is working properly.

 

const int DO_PIN = 2; // Digital output pin connected to DO pin on the module

void setup() {
  pinMode(DO_PIN, INPUT); // Set DO pin as input
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication
}

void loop() {
  int digitalValue = digitalRead(DO_PIN); // Read digital output value
  
  // Print the digital value to the serial monitor
  Serial.print("Digital value: ");
  Serial.println(digitalValue);
 
  
  delay(500); // Wait for 500 milliseconds
}

• the code first defines the pin number for the DO pin as constant and sets it up as input using the pinMode() function. It then initializes the serial communication using Serial.begin(), which allows the Arduino to send data to the computer via a USB cable.

• In the loop() function, the code reads the digital output value using digitalRead() . It then prints the value to the serial monitor using Serial.print() and Serial.println(). Finally, the code adds a delay of 500 milliseconds using the delay() function before starting the next iteration of the loop.

 

Technical Details:

• Supply Voltage: 3.3V~5V;
• Operation Temperature Range: -25 to +85℃.
• TCRT5000 infrared reflective sensor
• Measure the reflected distance: 1mm ~ 25mm Applicable
• The output format: digital signal (0 and 1)
• Small PCB board size: 3.5cm x 1cm

 

Resources:

Datasheet

 

Comparisons:

 

Using the Line Follower 1 Channel Infrared Tracking Detection Sensor TCRT5000 module instead of just the TCRT5000 sensor on its own can offer several advantages:

1. Easier to Use: The module typically includes a current limiting resistor, and comparator circuit that simplifies the connection and usage of the sensor. This can save time and effort in setting up a circuit also, using the TCRT5000 sensor on its own would require external components to adjust the sensitivity.

2. Digital Output: The module usually includes a digital output pin that provides a straightforward and easy-to-use signal for detecting the presence or absence of an object. This can simplify programming and interfacing with other devices, compared to using just the analog output of the TCRT5000 sensor.

We can say that using the Line Follower 1 Channel Infrared Tracking Detection Sensor TCRT5000 module can make the process of integrating the TCRT5000 sensor into a project simpler and more efficient, especially for beginners or those who are new to electronics. However, in some cases, using just the TCRT5000 sensor on its own may be more appropriate, such as in situations where precise control over the sensitivity of the sensor is required, or when a specific form factor is needed.