KY033 TCRT5000 Sensor

🧩 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
⚙️ Working Principle
IR LED emits infrared light continuously
Surface reflects IR light back to phototransistor
Output depends on reflection:
⚫ Black surface → LOW reflection → HIGH output
⚪ White surface → HIGH reflection → LOW output
Comparator converts signal into digital output
👉 Detects contrast between surfaces (black/white lines)
📊 Key Specifications
🔹 Operating Voltage: 3.3V – 5V
🔹 Current Consumption: ~20mA
🔹 Output Type: Digital (HIGH/LOW) + sometimes Analog
🔹 Detection Distance: ~1mm – 8mm
🔹 Sensor Type: TCRT5000 reflective IR sensor
🔹 Comparator IC: LM393
🔹 Dimensions: ~4 × 1 cm
🔌 Pin Configuration
🔴 VCC → 3.3V / 5V
⚫ GND → Ground
🟡 OUT / S → Digital signal output
👉 3-pin simple interface
🧱 Module Components
TCRT5000 IR sensor
LM393 comparator
Sensitivity adjust potentiometer
Indicator LED
Mounting holes
🔄 Features
Adjustable sensitivity via potentiometer
Fast response time
High reliability & stability
Compact and easy to mount
Strong anti-interference capability
🛠️ Applications
Line follower robots 🤖
Edge detection systems
Obstacle detection
Encoder / position sensing
Object proximity sensing
⚠️ Usage Tips
Keep sensor 2–5 mm above surface
Calibrate using potentiometer
Use black tape on white surface for best results
Avoid strong sunlight (IR interference)
Use stable power supply
✅ Advantages
Very low cost
Simple to use (plug & play)
Fast detection
Widely used in robotics
⚠️ Limitations
Works only on contrast surfaces
Affected by ambient IR (sunlight)
Short detection range
Needs calibration
🔍 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