KY033 TCRT5000 Sensor
π§© Overview
Single-channel infrared reflective sensor module
Based on TCRT5000 IR emitter + phototransistor
Used for line detection & object sensing
Compatible with Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi
βοΈ Working Principle
IR LED emits infrared light continuously
Surface reflects IR light back to phototransistor
Output depends on reflection:
β« Black surface β LOW reflection β HIGH output
βͺ White surface β HIGH reflection β LOW output
Comparator converts signal into digital output
π Detects contrast between surfaces (black/white lines)
π Key Specifications
πΉ Operating Voltage: 3.3V β 5V
πΉ Current Consumption: ~20mA
πΉ Output Type: Digital (HIGH/LOW) + sometimes Analog
πΉ Detection Distance: ~1mm β 8mm
πΉ Sensor Type: TCRT5000 reflective IR sensor
πΉ Comparator IC: LM393
πΉ Dimensions: ~4 Γ 1 cm
π Pin Configuration
π΄ VCC β 3.3V / 5V
β« GND β Ground
π‘ OUT / S β Digital signal output
π 3-pin simple interface
π§± Module Components
TCRT5000 IR sensor
LM393 comparator
Sensitivity adjust potentiometer
Indicator LED
Mounting holes
π Features
Adjustable sensitivity via potentiometer
Fast response time
High reliability & stability
Compact and easy to mount
Strong anti-interference capability
π οΈ Applications
Line follower robots π€
Edge detection systems
Obstacle detection
Encoder / position sensing
Object proximity sensing
β οΈ Usage Tips
Keep sensor 2β5 mm above surface
Calibrate using potentiometer
Use black tape on white surface for best results
Avoid strong sunlight (IR interference)
Use stable power supply
β Advantages
Very low cost
Simple to use (plug & play)
Fast detection
Widely used in robotics
β οΈ Limitations
Works only on contrast surfaces
Affected by ambient IR (sunlight)
Short detection range
Needs calibration
π Summary
A single-channel IR line tracking sensor
Uses TCRT5000 reflective technology
Outputs digital signal for line detection
Ideal for robotics, automation, and DIY projects
