TCRT5000L Infrared (IR) Reflective Optical Emitter / Sensor Photodiode/ Phototransistor - 5 Pieces

The TCRT5000 / TCRT5000L is a reflective IR sensor. It has both a Photodiode and a Phototransistor coupled in its package. The photo diode has two pins (Anode and Cathode) which can be used to generate an IR signal. Similarly, the Photo transistor also has two pins (Collector and Emitter) which can be used to read the IR signal that is reflected back.

The TCRT5000L can be used to detect an object or any other reflective surface in front of it, and with some level of programming, it can also calculate the distance of the object in front of it, however, the distance can only be calculated for short range objects and is also subject to environmental disturbance. To measure the distance of an object in front of a sensor, the HC-SR04 Ultrasonic sensor is probably a better choice.

The package includes two integrated plastic mounting clips for snap-in assembly to a PCB or mounting panel. The TCRT5000L (sold here) is the long lead version.

Features:

• Package type: Leaded
• Detector type: Phototransistor
• Dimensions (L x W x H in mm): 10.2 x 5.8 x 7
• Distance for maximum collector current: 2.5 mm
• Operating range within > 20 % relative collector current: 0.2 mm to 15 mm
• Typical output current under test: IC = 1 mA
• Daylight blocking filter
• Emitter wavelength: 950 nm

Pin Configuration (See pinout drawing and sample schematic below):

• Collector: The collector of the phototransistor is connected to +5V
• Emitter: The emitter of the phototransistor is grounded through a resistor
• Anode: The Anode of the photodiode is connected to +5V
• Cathode: The Cathode of the photodiode is grounded through a resistor

 Applications:

• Proximity detection applications
• Obstacle detection and avoidance
• Detection of reflective material such as paper, IBM cards, magnetic tapes etc
• Line follower or maze solver robots
• Limit switch for mechanical motion

How to use the TCRT5000:

The TCRT5000 photodiode should be powered through a current limiting resistor with a value of ~150 to ~220 Ohm, and the Transistor is also grounded through a 10K resistor as shown in the sample circuit schematic below.

The transistor does not have a base pin because the biasing of the transistor is controlled by the amount of IR light it receives. So basically the IR light from the photodiode hits an object/surface and returns back to the phototransistor to bias it.

Package Includes:

5x (5 Pieces) TCRT5000L Reflective Optical Sensor Infrared IR Detector Switch