# 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…

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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.

Every value cites its sourcePinout not published

[Buy on Compoden](https://compoden.com/products/tcrt5000-reflective-ir-sensor-line-follower-and-proximity)

## 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](https://app.soldr.ai/?prompt=I%20want%20to%20build%20a%20line-following%20robot%20with%20an%20Arduino%20Uno-compatible%20board%2C%20a%20TCRT5000%20reflective%20sensor%2C%20two%20gear%20motors%20and%20a%20motor%20driver): 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](https://app.soldr.ai/?prompt=I%20want%20to%20build%20an%20item%20counter%20that%20counts%20objects%20passing%20a%20TCRT5000%20sensor%20and%20shows%20the%20total%20on%20a%2016x2%20LCD%20with%20an%20Arduino%20Uno-compatible%20board): The sensor works at close range (peak 2.5 mm), so mount it a few millimetres from the passing object.
- [Spinning-wheel RPM meter](https://app.soldr.ai/?prompt=I%20want%20to%20build%20an%20RPM%20meter%20that%20reads%20a%20black-and-white%20striped%20wheel%20with%20a%20TCRT5000%20sensor%20and%20shows%20the%20speed%20on%20a%20small%20OLED%2C%20using%20an%20Arduino%20Uno-compatible%20board): 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](https://app.soldr.ai/?prompt=I%20want%20to%20build%20a%20hand-wave%20switch%20that%20turns%20an%20LED%20on%20when%20a%20hand%20is%20close%20to%20a%20TCRT5000%20sensor%2C%20using%20an%20Arduino%20Uno-compatible%20board): 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](https://www.vishay.com/docs/83760/tcrt5000.pdf), 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](https://www.vishay.com/docs/83760/tcrt5000.pdf), 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](https://www.vishay.com/docs/83760/tcrt5000.pdf) (Vishay TCRT5000/TCRT5000L, document 83760, rev. 1.7, 17-Aug-09)