TCRT5000 Reflective IR Optical Sensor

The TCRT5000 is an IR sensor unit. It has both a Photodiode and a Photo-transistor 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 TCRT5000 IR sensor can be used to detect the presence of an object or any other reflective surface in front of it. This is commonly used in Line follower or maze solving robots, obstacle detection, and avoidance programs, etc.

Specifications

• Sensing distance: 12mm
• Package height: 7mm
• Reverse voltage: 5V
• Forward current: 60mA
• Emitter power dissipation: 100mW
• Collector emitter voltage: 70V
• Emitter collector voltage: 5V
• Collector current: 100mA
• Sensor total power dissipation: 200mW
• Operating temperature: -25°C to +85°C

Product Description

To use the sensor, the photo diode is powered through a current limiting resistor of value 220R, and the phototransistor is also grounded through a 10K resistor. 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, whenever the transistor receives the IR light, it biases the junction and logic level at the output changes.