KY033 TCRT5000 Sensor Module

The KY033 TCRT5000 Sensor module detects surfaces from 2cm to 30cm using the TCRT5000 (an integrated IR emitter and photodetector that measures reflected infrared light). The ky 033 tcrt5000 sensor runs on 3.3V to 5V DC at 20mA and outputs both an analog voltage and a digital threshold signal through two separate output pins. Students building line follower robots use the digital pin; engineers measuring surface reflectance use the analog pin.

The tcrt5000 ir sensor has a non-linear analog output — closer surfaces return higher voltage, but the relationship is not perfectly linear across the full 2cm to 30cm range. One non-obvious detail — the detection distance changes based on surface colour. A white surface reflects well at up to 30cm, while a dark surface may only trigger at under 5cm. The honest limitation is sunlight. Bright ambient IR from the sun overwhelms the TCRT5000 receiver. Use the ky 033 sensor datasheet threshold setting to filter noise when working near windows. StemVolt supplies this module tested for confirmed analog and digital output across the full range.

Related Products:

• Explore the BFD-1000 Five Channel Infrared Tracking Sensor Module

Features:

• Detection distance from 2cm to 30cm covers surface sensing for line following and proximity applications
• Operating voltage from 3.3V to 5V DC connects directly to Arduino and ESP32 analog and digital pins
• Supply current at 20mA draws minimal power making the sensor suitable for always-on battery builds
• ky 033 sensor datasheet confirms TCRT5000 model with integrated emitter and detector in single package

Technical specifications:

Applications:

• Line follower robot uses digital output to detect black tape on a white floor surface below
• Object proximity detector uses analog output to sense how close a hand is at under 10cm range
• tcrt5000 sensor reads paper edge on a printer mechanism and sends a GPIO signal to Arduino stop logic

Package includes:

• 1 x KY033 TCRT5000 Sensor Module