SparkFun Line Follower Array
The SparkFun Line Follower Array is an advanced line-tracking sensor board designed for robots and autonomous navigation projects. It features eight QRE1113 infrared reflectance sensors arranged in a linear array to detect dark lines and contrast patterns on light surfaces. Using an I2C interface and an onboard SX1509 I/O expander, the array provides efficient communication while minimizing microcontroller pin usage. Adjustable IR brightness, software-controlled illumination, and visual status indicators allow flexible operation and power management. Compatible with a wide range of robotic platforms, the sensor is ideal for line-following robots, maze solvers, and autonomous navigation systems.
مصفوفة SparkFun Line Follower Array هي وحدة استشعار متقدمة لتتبع الخطوط مصممة للروبوتات ومشاريع الملاحة الذاتية. تحتوي على ثمانية حساسات QRE1113 للأشعة تحت الحمراء مرتبة في صف واحد لاكتشاف الخطوط الداكنة والأنماط المختلفة على الأسطح الفاتحة. تعتمد الوحدة على واجهة I2C مع موسع منافذ SX1509 لتوفير اتصال فعال وتقليل عدد المنافذ المستخدمة في المتحكم. توفر إمكانية التحكم في شدة الإضاءة تحت الحمراء وتشغيل أو إيقاف مؤشرات LED برمجيًا، مما يساعد على تحسين استهلاك الطاقة. تعد خيارًا مثاليًا للروبوتات المتتبعة للخطوط وأنظمة الملاحة الذكية.
The SparkFun Line Follower Array is a multi-sensor reflectance detection module developed for robotic navigation and line-following applications. The board incorporates eight QRE1113 infrared reflectance sensors, enabling precise detection of dark lines, light surfaces, and contrast patterns.
The sensor array is designed to follow dark lines approximately ¾ inch (19 mm) wide or smaller on a lighter background, such as electrical tape or painted guide paths. By reading eight sensors simultaneously, the module provides an 8-bit reflectance pattern, allowing robots to determine line position and make accurate steering decisions.
Communication is handled through an I2C interface, making integration with microcontrollers simple while minimizing GPIO usage. The onboard SX1509 I/O expander manages sensor inputs and control functions.
Users can adjust infrared illumination intensity using the onboard potentiometer, while software controls allow enabling or disabling the IR emitters and visual indicators to optimize power consumption. The module also supports software inversion of dark/light detection logic for different operating environments.
Designed for robotics platforms such as the RedBot Shadow Chassis and many custom robots, the array provides reliable performance for autonomous navigation tasks.
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | SparkFun Line Follower Array |
| Sensor Type | Infrared Reflectance Array |
| Number of Sensors | 8 |
| Sensor Model | QRE1113 |
| Communication Interface | I2C |
| I/O Expander | SX1509 |
| Operating Voltage | 5V DC |
| Current Consumption (IR Strobing Disabled) | 25 – 185 mA |
| Current Consumption (IR Strobing Enabled) | 16 – 160 mA |
| Detection Distance | Approximately 1/4" to 3/4" (6–19 mm) |
| Line Width Support | Up to 3/4" (19 mm) |
| Brightness Adjustment | Onboard Potentiometer |
| Indicator LEDs | Software Controllable |
| Mounting Holes | 6 |
Applications
- Line-following robots
- Autonomous navigation systems
- Maze-solving robots
- Educational robotics projects
- Competition robots
- Warehouse navigation systems
- Automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
- Research robotics platforms
- Path detection systems
- Surface pattern recognition
- Industrial automation prototypes
- STEM and robotics education