IR Obstacle Sensor (TCRT5000 / LM393)
by Generic
SKU: PSA-CMP-IR-OBSTACLE
No reviews yetTypical India street price
₹20–₹45
IR LED + photodiode pair: detects nearby white/black or obstacles.
Interface: Digital out (often analog too)
Digital IR OUT to the kit IR pin for line or obstacle detection.
OUT → D6 (GPIO12)
Blockly: sense_ir, sense_obstacle
Open PSA LabGet notified if we start selling this part
Concept
Infrared light reflects off nearby surfaces; a comparator turns that into a 0/1.
A little theory
Photodiode current rises with reflected IR. LM393 compares it to a pot-set threshold. Digital LOW/HIGH depending on board silk. Black tape absorbs IR (line sensors). In the classroom, treat IR Obstacle Sensor (TCRT5000 / LM393) as a beginner part using Digital out (often analog too). Typical India street price is about ₹20–₹45. Always verify voltage and pin labels on your exact module — silk screens vary across clones. Start with a datasheet or trusted learn guide, power the part correctly, share GND with the MCU, and test with a simple blink/read sketch before building the full project. Measure voltages with a multimeter when something fails, and keep actuator current off the MCU regulator.
How it works in a project
Power VCC/GND, read OUT. Trim the blue pot until the onboard LED flips at your distance/colour.
Classroom & project use
- Line follower
- Edge detect (table cliff)
- Simple obstacle bump
Buying in India
Precautions
- Calibrate away from sunlight
- Confirm whether OUT is active-low
Specifications
| Range | 2–30 cm typical |
| Output | Digital (LM393) |
| Wavelength | ~950 nm |
| Category | Sensors |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Voltage | 3.3–5V |
| Interface | Digital out (often analog too) |
Pinout
VCC | GND | AO (and DO if comparator module)
