TCRT5000 1-channel IR Infrared Sensor Module for Line Tracking

This Line Tracking Module is an infrared distance sensor that is mostly used for robotics such as a line-following robot. Suitable for, among others, Arduino, ESP8266, and ESP32.

You can find an example project here

The TCRT5000 IR track sensor is essentially an IR LED and an IR detector.

The IR emission tube of the TCRT5000 sensor constantly emits infrared light. Because black absorbs light, the reflected light is less when the IR emission tube shines on a black surface, and thus fewer IR rays are received by the receiving tube.

This indicates that the resistance is high; then the comparator gives a high output and the indicator LED turns off.

When it shines on a white surface, the reflected light is greater. The resistance of the receiving tube is then lower, so the comparator outputs are low and the indicator LED turns on.

Product usage:

• power meter pulse data sampling;
• fax machine paper detection;
• barrier detection;
• black-and-white line detection;

Product description:

• TCRT5000 infrared reflection sensor;
• detection of reflection distance: 1 mm ~ 25 mm applicable;
• operating voltage: 5V
• output form: digital signals (0 and 1)
• with a fixed mounting hole, easy to install;
• small PCB dimensions: 3.5 cm x 1 cm;
• light weight: 4.5g

Wiring:

1. VCC: power supply positive (5V)
2. GND: power supply negative
3. OUT: high/low switching signal (digital signals 0 and 1)