TCRT5000 IR Obstacle Avoidance Sensor

The TCRT5000 IR Sensor combines a photodiode emitter and a phototransistor detector in a single package, giving you a compact reflective sensor that can detect nearby objects or surfaces without physical contact. The photodiode emits infrared light through its Anode/Cathode pins, and the phototransistor’s Collector/Emitter pins pick up any light reflected back, letting the sensor distinguish between reflective and non-reflective surfaces.

An onboard LM393 comparator IC converts the reflected signal into both analog and digital outputs, with a potentiometer available to adjust the detection threshold to match your surface and lighting conditions. This flexibility makes the TCRT5000 a popular choice for line-following robots, maze-solving bots, and general obstacle detection tasks when paired with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PIC, or ATMEL-based controllers.

• Working Voltage Range – 3.5V to 5V DC
• Outputs – Both analog and digital
• Sensitivity Adjustment – Available in digital mode via onboard potentiometer
• Mounting – M4 hole for secure installation
• Measuring Range – 1mm to 10mm
• Sensor Elements – Photodiode + phototransistor pair
• Comparator – LM393 onboard

Compact and precise at short range, the TCRT5000 IR Sensor is an excellent choice for line-following and close-range obstacle detection in robotics projects.