The IR Reflectance Sensor (Manufacturer: Cytron Technology, Part ID: Maker Reflect Sensor) is a compact and versatile sensor designed to detect the presence of objects or surfaces by emitting infrared (IR) light and measuring the reflected light. This sensor is widely used in robotics, automation, and industrial applications for tasks such as obstacle detection, line following, and edge detection.
The following table outlines the key technical details of the Maker Reflect Sensor:
Parameter | Value |
---|---|
Operating Voltage | 3.3V to 5V |
Operating Current | ~20mA |
Detection Range | 1mm to 15mm (depending on surface) |
Output Type | Digital (High/Low) |
IR Wavelength | 940nm |
Dimensions | 25mm x 10mm x 8mm |
Weight | ~2g |
The Maker Reflect Sensor has a simple 3-pin interface. The pinout is as follows:
Pin | Name | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | VCC | Power supply input (3.3V to 5V) |
2 | GND | Ground connection |
3 | OUT | Digital output (High when reflection is detected) |
VCC
pin to a 3.3V or 5V power source and the GND
pin to the ground of your circuit.OUT
pin to a digital input pin on your microcontroller (e.g., Arduino UNO).The following code demonstrates how to use the Maker Reflect Sensor with an Arduino UNO to detect a reflective surface:
// Define the pin connected to the sensor's OUT pin
const int sensorPin = 2; // Digital pin 2
const int ledPin = 13; // Built-in LED for visual feedback
void setup() {
pinMode(sensorPin, INPUT); // Set sensor pin as input
pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT); // Set LED pin as output
Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication
}
void loop() {
int sensorValue = digitalRead(sensorPin); // Read the sensor output
if (sensorValue == HIGH) {
// If reflection is detected, turn on the LED
digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
Serial.println("Reflection detected!");
} else {
// If no reflection is detected, turn off the LED
digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
Serial.println("No reflection detected.");
}
delay(100); // Small delay for stability
}
OUT
pin if the microcontroller's input pin is floating.Sensor Not Detecting Objects
False Detections
No Output Signal
Inconsistent Readings
Q: Can the sensor detect black surfaces?
A: The sensor may struggle to detect black or non-reflective surfaces due to low reflectivity. Consider using a different sensor for such applications.
Q: Is the sensor compatible with 3.3V microcontrollers?
A: Yes, the Maker Reflect Sensor operates at both 3.3V and 5V, making it compatible with a wide range of microcontrollers.
Q: Can I use multiple sensors in the same circuit?
A: Yes, you can use multiple sensors, but ensure each sensor's output is connected to a separate input pin on the microcontroller.
Q: How do I extend the detection range?
A: The detection range is fixed (1mm to 15mm). For longer ranges, consider using an ultrasonic or laser-based sensor.
This concludes the documentation for the Maker Reflect Sensor. For further assistance, refer to the manufacturer's datasheet or support resources.