This IR reflective sensor utilizes a TCRT5000 to detect color and distance. It emits IR and then detects if it receives the echo. This sensor is often used in line following robots, auto data logging on utility meters, because this module can sense if a surface is white or black.

The measuring distance range from 1mm to 8mm, and the central point is about 2.5mm. There is also an on-board potentiometer to adjust the sensitivity.

The infrared diode will emmitting the infrared continutelly when the module connect to the power, when the emitted infrared light has not been reflected or the strength is not big enough,the triode will in the off state, at this time, D0 output logic LOW and the signal indicate LED off.

Applications:

• Rainfall detecting
  
• Liquid leakage
  
• Tank overflow detector
  

Features:

• Supply Voltage: 3.3V~5V
  
• Detect distance: 1mm-8mm
  
• Digital Outputs HIGH when objects detected
  
• On-board indicator LED to show the results
  
• On-board potentiometer to adjust the sensitivity
  
• On-board LM393 chip

How to interface with Arduino?

The TCRT5000 is an IR reflective sensor module used for detecting objects and measuring distances by emitting and reflecting infrared light. To interface the TCRT5000 with an Arduino Uno, you'll connect the sensor to the Arduino and read its output.

Materials Needed:

• TCRT5000 IR Reflective Sensor Module
• Arduino Uno
• Jumper wires
• Breadboard (optional)

Connections:

1. Power Supply:

   • VCC on TCRT5000 to 5V on Arduino.
   • GND on TCRT5000 to GND on Arduino.

2. Output Signal:

   • OUT on TCRT5000 to Analog Input (e.g., A0) on Arduino for analog readings, or to a Digital Input pin (e.g., D2) if you want to use it as a digital sensor.

Code Example:

Here are examples for both analog and digital readings.

Analog Reading:

This code reads the analog value from the sensor, which changes based on the distance of the object from the sensor.

const int sensorPin = A0; // Analog pin connected to OUT
int sensorValue = 0; // Variable to store the sensor value

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication
}

void loop() {
  sensorValue = analogRead(sensorPin); // Read the sensor value
  Serial.print("Sensor Value: ");
  Serial.println(sensorValue); // Print the sensor value to the serial monitor
  delay(500); // Wait for 0.5 seconds before the next reading
}

Digital Reading:

If you want to use the TCRT5000 as a digital sensor, you can read its output as either HIGH or LOW. In this mode, the sensor typically outputs LOW when it detects an object and HIGH otherwise.

const int sensorPin = 2; // Digital pin connected to OUT
int sensorState = 0; // Variable to store the sensor state

void setup() {
  pinMode(sensorPin, INPUT); // Set the sensor pin as input
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication
}

void loop() {
  sensorState = digitalRead(sensorPin); // Read the digital value
  if (sensorState == LOW) {
    Serial.println("Object detected");
  } else {
    Serial.println("No object detected");
  }
  delay(500); // Wait for 0.5 seconds before the next reading
}

Additional Notes:

• Power Requirements: The TCRT5000 typically operates at 5V, which is compatible with the Arduino Uno.
• Output Type: The TCRT5000 has both analog and digital output pins. If you're using the analog output, you'll get a varying voltage depending on the distance of the detected object. If you're using the digital output, you'll get a simple HIGH or LOW signal based on the object's presence.
• Calibration: Depending on your specific application, you may need to calibrate the sensor's sensitivity by adjusting the potentiometer on the module (if available).