TCRT5000 IR Infrared Reflective Sensor Module Obstacle Avoidance Photoelectric Line Tracking for Arduino

TCRT5000 IR Infrared Reflective Sensor Module — Line Tracking & Obstacle Avoidance

A versatile infrared reflective sensor module built around the TCRT5000 IR emitter/phototransistor pair and LM393 voltage comparator. Detects surface reflectivity differences at 1–25mm range, outputting a clean digital HIGH/LOW signal directly compatible with Arduino, ESP32, STM32, and Raspberry Pi. Onboard sensitivity potentiometer and dual LED indicators (power + signal) make calibration fast and intuitive.

Available in 3-piece or 4-piece packs.

Specifications

• Sensor: TCRT5000 IR emitter (950nm) + NPN phototransistor
• Comparator: LM393 wide-voltage comparator
• Detection Range: 1mm – 25mm (reflective surface dependent)
• Supply Voltage: 3.3V – 5V DC
• Output: Digital (LOW = object/black detected; HIGH = no object/white surface)
• Output Drive Current: ≥15mA
• Sensitivity: Adjustable via onboard potentiometer
• Indicators: Power LED + signal LED
• Mounting: Fixed bolt holes for secure installation
• Quantity: 3 or 4 pieces (select variant)

How It Works

The IR LED continuously emits 950nm infrared light. When a reflective surface (white, light-colored, or metallic) is within range, reflected IR light saturates the phototransistor, pulling the LM393 output LOW and lighting the signal LED. On dark/black surfaces or when no object is present, the phototransistor remains off and the output stays HIGH. The onboard potentiometer adjusts the LM393 threshold to tune detection sensitivity for different surface colors and distances.

Pin Connections

• VCC → 3.3V or 5V
• GND → Ground
• OUT → Digital input pin on MCU

Typical Applications

• Line-following robot navigation (black line on white surface)
• Obstacle detection and avoidance for mobile robots
• Rotary encoder disc slot counting (speed/position measurement)
• Electricity meter pulse data sampling
• Paper/media detection in printers and shredders
• Object counting on conveyor systems
• Liquid level detection through transparent containers

Package Contents

• 3 or 4 × TCRT5000 IR reflective sensor module (quantity as selected)

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