How to Use TCS230: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TCS230 is a programmable color light-to-frequency converter that combines configurable silicon photodiodes and a current-to-frequency converter on a single monolithic CMOS integrated circuit. This sensor allows for the detection and measurement of color in an easy and accurate manner. The TCS230's output is a square wave with a frequency directly proportional to the light intensity of the chosen color. Common applications include color sorting, ambient light sensing, color matching in printing, and backlight control in displays.

• Voltage Supply: 2.7V to 5.5V
• Output Frequency: Programmable from a few Hz to over 500 kHz
• Photodiode Array: 8x8 with filters for red, green, blue (RGB), and clear light
• Output Type: TTL square wave
• Response Time: 28ms (typical)
• Peak Sensitivity Wavelength: Red = 615nm, Green = 525nm, Blue = 465nm

1. Powering the Device: Connect VDD to a 2.7V to 5.5V power supply and GND to the ground.
2. Output Frequency Scaling: Set S0 and S1 to configure the scaling of the output frequency. This can be done by connecting these pins to either VDD or GND.
3. Photodiode Type Selection: Use S2 and S3 to select the type of photodiode (red, green, blue, or clear) for the measurement.
4. Output Enable: Connect OE to GND to enable the output frequency, or to VDD to disable it.
5. Reading the Output: Connect the OUT pin to a digital input on a microcontroller to read the frequency.

• Ensure that the power supply voltage does not exceed the maximum rating of 5.5V.
• Avoid exposing the sensor to direct sunlight or strong artificial light sources that could saturate the photodiodes.
• Use a frequency counter or a microcontroller capable of measuring frequency to read the output from the OUT pin.
• Calibrate the sensor for the specific application environment to achieve accurate color detection.

// TCS230 Color Sensor Example for Arduino UNO
#include <FreqCount.h>

// Define sensor output and scaling pins
#define S0 4
#define S1 5
#define S2 6
#define S3 7
#define OUT 8

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600); // Start serial communication
  pinMode(S0, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(S1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(S2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(S3, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(OUT, INPUT);

  // Set frequency scaling to 20%
  digitalWrite(S0, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(S1, LOW);

  FreqCount.begin(1000); // Begin frequency counting over a 1-second period
}

void loop() {
  if (FreqCount.available()) {
    // Read frequency count
    unsigned long count = FreqCount.read();
    Serial.print("Frequency: ");
    Serial.println(count);
  }
}

• Inaccurate Color Readings: Ensure that the sensor is properly calibrated and not exposed to strong light sources that could cause saturation.
• No Output Signal: Check the OE pin connection and ensure it is connected to GND. Also, verify that the power supply is within the specified range.
• Erratic Frequency Values: Ensure that there is no electrical noise affecting the sensor's output. Using shorter connections and proper grounding can help reduce noise.

• Calibration: Perform a calibration with known color samples to adjust the readings for your specific environment.
• Shielding: Use a shield or cover to protect the sensor from external light sources that are not part of the measurement.
• Check Connections: Double-check all connections, especially the power supply and ground, for any loose wires or bad solder joints.

Q: Can the TCS230 detect non-visible light? A: No, the TCS230 is designed to detect visible light in the red, green, and blue spectrum.

Q: How can I increase the measurement accuracy? A: Increase the frequency scaling factor for a higher resolution, but keep in mind that this will also slow down the measurement response time.

Q: What is the purpose of the clear photodiode? A: The clear photodiode allows for measuring the intensity of ambient light, which can be useful for calibrating the sensor against different light conditions.