TCRT5000 Line Following Tracking Sensor Module

Introduction

This product applies TCRT5000 infrared ray reflection sensor that has the functions of both emitting and receiving. The module has a build in 74HC14 Schmitt-trigger inverter, so it has clean signal, standard wave form, and strong driving ability. The module can detect a reflective range from 1mm to 25mm. Besides, a M3 mounting hole is available and it is used to adjust directions and so on.

Main Features

• Supply Voltage: 3.3V~5V;
• Size of PCB: 3.5cm x 1cm;
• Detected Reflection Distance: 1mm-25mm;
• Operation Temperature Range: -25 to +85℃.

Introduction of the Pins

• OUT：Digital switch output interface (0 and 1)
• VCC：5V working voltage
• GND：ground

Working Principle

The VCC (3.3V-5V) and GND are wired up, and the infrared-emitting diode of TCRT5000 sensor constantly emits infrared ray. When the reflected ray is not gotten or its intensity is not strong enough, the infrared light-receiving diode is in the off state, and the output terminal of the module outputs low level. Moreover, indicator LED is in the off state all the way. When the detected objects are in the range of detection, the reflected infrared ray is gotten and it is strong enough; the infrared light-receiving diode is saturated; now the output terminal of the module is high level and the indicator light is lit up.

For Arduino

Using Steps
Step 1: Connect the circuit.

Step 2: Copy the following codes and paste them in Arduino.

///Arduino Sample Code
void setup()
{
  Serial.begin(9600); //Set serial baud rate to 9600 bps
}
void loop()
{
  Serial.println(digitalRead(2)); //Print the value to serial port
  delay(500);
}

The codes above are used to acquire the signals of the sensor via the digital pin 2 and to output the signals into the computer via serial port. To observe the consequence, we can use serial monitor.

Align the infrared detector with the black line, keep the height of the detector around 1cm, then the indicator light is off, and the output terminal outputs low level. If the detector is aligned with the white line with a height about 1cm, the indicator light is on and the output terminal outputs high level.