TCS3200 Color Recognition Sensor Module with White LEDs
Sensors and Modules
₹409
The TCS3200 is a complete color detector module that uses an array of photodiodes to detect the color of an object. It includes four bright white LEDs to illuminate the target, allowing the sensor to accurately read red, green, blue, and clear light intensities and convert them into a square wave frequency for your microcontroller to process.Key Features:True Color Detection: Senses Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) light levels independently.Integrated Lighting: Features 4 ultra-bright white LEDs to ensure accurate readings regardless of ambient light.Direct Digital Output: Converts light intensity directly into a variable frequency square wave.Wide Compatibility: Easily interfaces with any microcontroller, including Arduino, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi.
Overview
The TCS3200 Color Sensor Module is designed to measure the color of any object placed in front of it. It works by utilizing an 8x8 array of silicon photodiodes—16 have red filters, 16 have green filters, 16 have blue filters, and 16 have no filter (clear).
By using the control pins on the module, you can selectively activate the different color filters. The onboard oscillator then outputs a square wave whose frequency is directly proportional to the intensity of the selected color. This makes it incredibly easy to program color-sorting robots or automated quality-control mechanisms.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sensor Chip | TAOS TCS3200 |
| Operating Voltage | 2.7V to 5.5V DC |
| Output Type | Digital Square Wave (Duty cycle 50%) |
| Detection Distance | 10mm to 15mm (Best accuracy) |
| Onboard Illumination | 4x Bright White LEDs |
| Module Dimensions | 28.4mm x 28.4mm |
| Output Frequency Range | Programmable (Typically 10kHz - 12kHz max) |
Pinout Configuration
The module features standard 2.54mm pitch headers, perfectly spaced for jumper wires or breadboard use.
Pin Description
- VCC: Power Supply (3.3V or 5V)
- GND: Ground
- S0 & S1: Output Frequency Scaling selection inputs (scales the output frequency to 2%, 20%, or 100% to match your microcontroller's reading speed).
- S2 & S3: Photodiode Filter selection inputs (used to select whether you are reading Red, Green, Blue, or Clear values).
- OUT: The square wave output pin that goes to your microcontroller's digital input.
- OE / LED: Output Enable (Active Low). On some modules, this pin can also be used to turn the onboard LEDs on and off.
How to Read Colors (Logic Table)
To detect a specific color, you set the S2 and S3 pins to HIGH or LOW logic states:
- RED: S2 = LOW, S3 = LOW
- BLUE: S2 = LOW, S3 = HIGH
- CLEAR (No Filter): S2 = HIGH, S3 = LOW
- GREEN: S2 = HIGH, S3 = HIGH
💡 Pro Tip: To get a highly accurate RGB profile of an object, you must take three separate readings in rapid succession (one for Red, one for Green, and one for Blue) and combine the variables in your code. Ensure ambient lighting is kept as stable as possible for the best results!
