SmartElex TEMT6000 Ambient Light Sensor Breakout

Overview

The SmartElex TEMT6000 Ambient Light Sensor Breakout is based on the Vishay TEMT6000 phototransistor, designed to measure ambient visible light intensity.

• Outputs an analog voltage proportional to light level

• Spectral sensitivity is close to the human eye response

• Used for simple, real-time light sensing

It is a linear analog light sensor, not a digital lux meter.

Working Principle

Phototransistor-Based Sensing

• The TEMT6000 phototransistor detects incident light

• Light photons generate charge carriers (photocurrent)

Signal Conversion

• The photocurrent flows through a resistor converted to voltage output

More light higher current higher output voltage

Measurement Characteristics

• Spectral range: ~360 nm to 970 nm (visible + near IR)

• Peak sensitivity: ~570 nm (green light, close to human eye response)

Light Response

• Linear response over a wide range

• Can detect:

  • Low indoor lighting

  • Bright outdoor light

Output is relative, not directly in lux.

Electrical Characteristics

• Supply voltage: 3.3V to 5V

• Output type: Analog voltage

• Very low power consumption

Output Behavior

• Dark near 0V output

• Bright light output approaches

  • Light intensity

  • Load resistor value (on breakout board)

  Interface

  Typical 3-pin configuration:

  • VCC Power supply

  • GND Ground

  • OUT Analog voltage output

  Connect OUT to:

  • Microcontroller ADC pin for measurement

  Internal Features

  Human Eye Matching

  • Designed to approximate photopic vision curve

  • More accurate than simple LDR for visible light

  Fast Response

  • Response time: microseconds range

  • Suitable for real-time light changes

  Linear Output

  • Analog output proportional to light intensity

  • Easier for signal processing compared to LDR

    • Responds instantly to changes in light

    • Suitable for dynamic environments

    Environmental Influence

    • Affected by:

      • Light angle

      • Distance from light source

      • Presence of IR light

    Limitations

    • Does not provide direct lux value (needs calibration)

    • Sensitive to:

      • Infrared light (not fully filtered)

    • Cannot:

      • Detect color

      • Separate light sources

    Functional Role

    The module acts as a:

    • Analog ambient light sensor

    • Light intensity monitor

    • Input device for brightness-based control systems

    Summary

    The SmartElex TEMT6000 Breakout that:

    • Uses a phototransistor-based sensing method

    • Provides analog voltage output proportional to light

    • Matches human eye sensitivity reasonably well

    • Operates at low power with fast response

    • Is ideal for real-time light intensity detection