TCRT 5000 IR Sensor Line tracker Module

Key Specifications:

• Sensor: TCRT5000 IR Reflective Sensor.
• Chipset: LM393 Voltage Comparator.
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V to 5V.
• Detection Distance: 1mm to 25mm (Optimal: ~3mm).
• Output: Digital (D0: 0/1) & Analog (A0: 0-5V).
• Sensitivity: Adjustable via potentiometer.
• Indicator: Power LED (Red) & Digital Output LED (Green).
• Board Size (PCB): Approx. 32x14mm.
• Features: Strong driving ability (>15mA), clean signal.

How It Works (for Line Following):

1. Infrared Emitter: Sends IR light downwards.
2. Reflection: A white surface reflects more IR light; a black line reflects less.
3. Phototransistor: Detects the amount of reflected light.
4. LM393 Comparator: Compares the signal to a set threshold (adjusted by the potentiometer).
5. Output:

              On White Surface: High reflection -> Digital Output (D0) often goes LOW (0V) or HIGH (5V) depending on configuration.

             On Black Line: Low reflection -> Digital Output (D0) goes to the opposite state.

1. Microcontroller: Reads the D0/A0 pin to know if it’s over the line, allowing for steering corrections.