TCRT5000 Reflective Optical Sensor

The TCRT5000 Reflective Optical Sensor is a highly popular infrared (IR) reflective sensor designed to detect the presence, absence, or distance of an object based on the reflection of an infrared beam. The sensor combines two key components in a single compact package: an infrared LED (emitter) that continuously emits light at a wavelength of 950nm, and a phototransistor (receiver) that detects the reflected IR light when it bounces off a nearby surface. The plastic polycarbonate housing has been carefully engineered to block direct light leakage between the emitter and detector, eliminating crosstalk and ensuring accurate object detection. This means the phototransistor only activates when IR light is reflected back from an external object, not directly from the LED. The sensor operates effectively over a sensing distance of up to 12mm, with the strongest response typically occurring between 1–8mm, making it perfect for close-range object detection. Its ability to distinguish between light and dark surfaces (such as black lines on white paper) makes it the go-to choice for line-following robots, encoder discs, and object counting systems. The snap-in PCB mounting design allows quick installation without complicated soldering, and its compact 7mm package height makes it ideal for space-constrained projects. With low power consumption, fast response time, and robust construction, the TCRT5000 is a versatile and reliable sensor for both hobbyists and professional engineers.

Specifications

• Sensor Type: Reflective Optical Sensor (IR Emitter + Phototransistor)
• Sensing Method: Reflective
• Sensing Distance: Up to 12 mm (optimal: 1–8 mm, peak at ~2.5 mm)
• Operating Wavelength: 950 nm (Infrared)
• Package Height: 7 mm
• Package Type: Snap-in PCB mounting
• Housing Material: Plastic polycarbonate (prevents crosstalk)

Emitter (IR LED) Specifications

• Forward Current: 60 mA
• Forward Surge Current: 3 A
• Reverse Voltage: 5 V
• Power Dissipation: 100 mW

Detector (Phototransistor) Specifications

• Collector-Emitter Voltage: 70 V
• Emitter-Collector Voltage: 5 V
• Collector Current: 100 mA
• Power Dissipation: 100 mW

General

• Total Sensor Power Dissipation: 200 mW
• Operating Temperature: -25°C to +85°C
• Storage Temperature: -40°C to +100°C
• Response Time: Fast (microseconds range)
• Output Type: Analog (when used raw) or Digital (with comparator circuit)

Applications

• Used as a position sensor for shaft encoders in motors and rotating devices.
• Essential in line-following robots to detect black lines on white surfaces.
• Employed in paper detection for printers, copiers, and fax machines.
• Used for detecting reflective materials such as paper, IBM cards, and magnetic tapes.
• Applied as a limit switch for mechanical motions in VCRs and tape recorders.
• Ideal for general-purpose proximity sensing where space is limited.
• Used in object counting systems on conveyor belts.
• Found in coin detection mechanisms in vending machines.
• Employed in maze-solving robots and autonomous navigation systems.
• Used in tachometer circuits to measure rotation speed.
• Applied in bar code scanners and ticket readers.
• Common in 3D printer filament detection systems.
• Used in industrial automation for product presence detection.
• Found in sumo robots and edge detectors.
• Used in break-beam sensors and gate controls.
• Ideal for DIY robotics projects and Arduino-based systems.
• Employed in educational electronics kits teaching optical sensing.
• Applied in access control and security detection.
• Used in smart car prototypes for lane detection.
• Found in automatic door systems and touchless switches.