TCRT5000 reflective IR sensor: specs
The specs on this page are for the bare Vishay TCRT5000 part (infrared emitter and phototransistor in one package); the listing is a module board whose supply and output are undocumented. Reflective optical sensor with an infrared emitter and a phototransistor in one leaded package; it reports how much infrared bounces back from a nearby surface.
Specs
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Detector type | Phototransistor with daylight blocking filter | source Features (p.1) |
| Package size (L x W x H) | 10.2 x 5.8 x 7 mm | source Features (p.1) |
| Peak operating distance | 2.5 mm | source Features / Product Summary (p.1) |
| Distance range for relative output above 20 % | 0.2 mm to 15 mm | source Features / Product Summary (p.1) |
| Emitter peak wavelength | 940 nm (Basic Characteristics table; the features list says 950 nm) | source Basic Characteristics (p.2) |
| Emitter forward voltage | 1.25 V typ, 1.5 V max at IF = 60 mA | source Basic Characteristics, input (emitter) (p.2) |
| Collector current under test | 0.5 mA min, 1 mA typ, 2.1 mA max (VCE = 5 V, IF = 10 mA, 12 mm to a mirror) | source Basic Characteristics, sensor (p.2) |
| Collector emitter voltage max | 70 V | source Absolute Maximum Ratings (p.2) |
| Ambient temperature range | -25 C to +85 C | source Absolute Maximum Ratings (p.2) |
Pinout
We don't publish a pin table for this part: no official source we could verify gives one. Check the labels printed on your module, and see the notes below.
The Vishay sheet shows four terminals marked A and C (emitter diode) and C and E (phototransistor). It does not describe the module board on the listing, which is not covered by an official document.
Build with it
Project ideas for the TCRT5000 reflective IR sensor. Each link opens Soldr with the prompt filled in; Soldr assigns the pins, checks power and shows how to wire every part.
- Line-following robot: The motors run from their own battery pack through the driver. The module's supply and output levels are undocumented here, so measure them before connecting the sensor to an input.
- An item counter that counts objects passing a TCRT5000 sensor and shows the total on a 16x2 LCD with an Arduino Uno-compatible board: The sensor works at close range (peak 2.5 mm), so mount it a few millimetres from the passing object.
- Spinning-wheel RPM meter: Learning project: pulses from the striped wheel are counted in code. The module's supply and output levels are undocumented here, so measure them before wiring.
- Hand-wave light switch: Close-range reflection (0.2 mm to 15 mm) is enough for a hand held just above the sensor.
Common mistakes
- Bare part only: connecting the emitter straight to a supply: it is an infrared diode with 1.25 V forward voltage at 60 mA, so it needs a series resistor (source: link, Basic Characteristics).
- Mounting the sensor far from the surface: the usable range is 0.2 mm to 15 mm and peaks at 2.5 mm (source: link, p.1).
- Assuming the module board matches the chip sheet: the listing module is not covered by an official document, so check its pin labels and supply with a meter.
Not covered by the official source
- Module board (resistors, comparator, header order) is not documented officially.
- Supply and current values for the module are not documented.
Sources
- link (Vishay TCRT5000/TCRT5000L, document 83760, rev. 1.7, 17-Aug-09)