TCRT5000 IR Sensor (Pack of 5)
TCRT5000 IR Sensor
Reflective Infrared Line Detection Object Sensing
What is TCRT5000?
The TCRT5000 is a reflective infrared (IR) sensor that combines:
IR LED (transmitter)
Phototransistor (receiver)
It detects objects based on reflected infrared light.
Commonly used in:
Line follower robots
Object detection systems
Pack of 5
Contains 5 individual TCRT5000 sensors/modules
Useful for:
Sensor arrays
Robotics projects (multi-line tracking)
Working Principle
IR LED emits infrared light
Light hits a surface
Reflected light i based on reflection
Behavior:
White surface high reflection sensor ON
Black surface low reflection sensor OFF
Pin Configuration (Module Version)
Typical pins:
VCC 3.3V / 5V
GND Ground
DO Digital Output
(Optional) AO Analog Output
Output Behavior
Surface Type | Reflection | Output |
White | High | LOW/HIGH (depends on module) |
Black | Low | Opposite signal |
Acts like a switch based on surface color
Technical Specifications
Operating~1 mm to 15 mm
Optimal Distance: ~2.5 mm
Emitter Wavelength: ~950 nm (infrared)
Output Type: Phototransistor / digital comparator
Response: Fast (real-time detection)
Key Features
Reflective IR sensing
High sensitivity to black/white surfaces
Adjustable sensitivity (via potentiometer on module)
Compact and low-cost
Works in moderate ambient light (has daylight filter)
How It Detects Color
White reflects IR detected strong signal
Black absorbs IR weak/no signal
That's why it is widely used for line tracking robots
Applications
Object counting systems
Shaft encoder / speed detection
Surface detection (black/white patterns)
Advantages
Simple and inexpensive
Fast response
Easy to interface with Arduino
Good for short-range detection
Limitations
Very short detection range
Sensitive to ambient light and surface type
Needs proper alignment with surface
Cannot measure long distances
Important Notes
Best performance at 25 mm distance
Adjust sensitivity using onboard potentiometer
Avoid strong sunlight for accurate readings
Use multiple sensors for better tracking (array setup)
Summary
The TCRT5000 IR Sensor (Pac optical sensor set used for:
Line tracking Surface detection Short-range object sensing
It is one of the most popular sensors in robotics, especially for beginner and intermed