Color Recognition Sensor Module TCS3200 for Arduino Raspberry Pi

Specifications

• Main Chip: TCS3200 (RGB + Clear Light Sensing)
• Input Voltage: 2.7V to 5.5V DC (Logic-Safe for 3.3V and 5V MCUs)
• Interface: Digital TTL (Frequency Output)
• Photodiodes: 8 x 8 Array (16 Red, 16 Blue, 16 Green, 16 Clear)
• Frequency Scaling: 2%, 20%, 100% (Selectable via S0, S1 pins)
• Detection Range: 10mm (Best accuracy)
• Non-Linearity Error: 0.2% at 50kHz
• Dimensions: 31mm x 24mm

Applications

• Automated Sorting Systems: Sort candy, pills, or mechanical parts by color on a conveyor belt.
• Color Matching Tools: Build a portable device to identify paint colors or fabric swatches.
• Advanced Robotics: Create a "Chameleon Robot" that changes its LED color based on the surface it drives on.
• Ambient Light Sensing: Use the "Clear" filter mode to measure room brightness for smart lighting control.
• Process Control: Monitor chemical strip tests or fluid color changes in lab automation.

Wiring Guide

Warning: The sensor is sensitive to external light. For best results, use a shroud or black tube around the sensor if working in bright sunlight.

• VCC: Connect to 5V (Power)
• GND: Connect to GND (Ground)
• S0: Connect to Digital Pin 3 (Frequency Scaling Selection)
• S1: Connect to Digital Pin 4 (Frequency Scaling Selection)
• S2: Connect to Digital Pin 5 (Photodiode Filter Selection)
• S3: Connect to Digital Pin 6 (Photodiode Filter Selection)
• OUT: Connect to Digital Pin 8 (Frequency Output - Read this pin!)
• OE: Connect to GND (Output Enable - Active Low)

Package includes :1 x TCS3200 Color Sensor Module

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the difference between TCS230 and TCS3200?
  The TCS3200 is the upgraded version of the TCS230, offering better performance, wider temperature range, and more consistent manufacturing tolerances.
• How do I calibrate the TCS3200 sensor?
  You must perform a "White Balance" first. Place a white object in front of the sensor and record the frequency values for R, G, and B channels to set your baseline.
• Can I use this with Raspberry Pi?
  Yes, but since the Pi does not have a pulseIn function like Arduino, you will need a precise timing library or a Python script using interrupts to count the pulses.
• Does it work in the dark?
  Yes, the module includes 4 bright white LEDs to illuminate the target object, so it works perfectly in dark environments.
• What is the optimal distance for detection?
  The sensor works best at a distance of 10mm (1 cm) from the object.
• Can I turn off the white LEDs?
  On most modules, the LEDs are hardwired to VCC. To control them, you would need to de-solder the LED trace and wire it to a MOSFET or digital pin.
• Why are my readings fluctuating?
  Fluctuations are usually caused by ambient light interference. Build a small black cardboard shield around the sensor (a "skirt") to block outside light.
• What does the S0 and S1 pin do?
  They control the output frequency scaling. Setting them to 20% (Low/High) is common for Arduino to prevent overwhelming the processor with too many interrupts.
• Can this sensor detect the color of liquids?
  Yes, if the liquid is opaque or if you place a white background behind a transparent container.
• Is this sensor waterproof?
  No, the electronics are exposed. Do not submerge it.
• How fast can it detect color changes?
  The sensor response time is very fast (microseconds), but your code's sampling rate usually limits the speed to about 10-20 readings per second for stable data.
• Why does it report Black as valid colors?
  "Black" is just the absence of reflected light. The sensor will output very low frequency values for all channels, which your code should interpret as black.
• Can it detect emitted light (like an LED)?
  Yes, you can measure the color of a light source, but you should disable the on-board white LEDs to avoid interference.
• What library should I use for ESP32?
  You can use the standard Arduino libraries, but ensure you use 3.3V compatible pins. The sensor VCC can take 5V, but the OUT pin logic level matches VCC.
• Does the sensor output hex codes?
  No, it outputs a raw frequency. Your code must map these frequencies to 0-255 RGB values to generate a Hex code.
• Why are the values for Red higher than Blue?
  Silicon photodiodes are naturally more sensitive to red/IR light. You must apply a software multiplier (gain) to balance the channels during calibration.
• Can I use multiple sensors on one Arduino?
  Yes, but you will need separate pins for the OUT line of each sensor. You can share the S0-S3 control pins.
• Does it support I2C communication?
  No, the TCS3200 is purely a frequency-output device. It does not use I2C.
• What is the OE pin?
  Output Enable. Pulling it LOW enables the sensor output. Pulling it HIGH puts the output in a high-impedance state (useful for multiplexing).
• Will it arrive safely?
  We use Probots Secure-Transit™  packaging to ensure the delicate LED array and pins are not bent or crushed during shipping.