How to Use tcs3200: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TCS3200, manufactured by Taos, is a programmable color light-to-frequency converter. It is designed to detect and measure the intensity of red, green, blue, and clear light using an array of photodiodes and filters. The sensor outputs a square wave with a frequency directly proportional to the intensity of the detected light, making it ideal for applications requiring precise color recognition.

• Color recognition and sorting systems
• Industrial process automation
• Ambient light sensing
• Robotics and object detection
• Consumer electronics (e.g., color-matching devices)

The TCS3200 is a highly versatile sensor with the following key specifications:

The TCS3200 has an 8-pin configuration, as detailed below:

The TCS3200 allows users to scale the output frequency using the S0 and S1 pins:

The S2 and S3 pins are used to select the active photodiode filter:

1. Power Supply: Connect the Vcc pin to a 3.3V or 5V power source and the GND pin to ground.
2. Output Enable: Connect the OE pin to ground to enable the output. If you want to disable the output, connect OE to Vcc.
3. Frequency Scaling: Use the S0 and S1 pins to set the desired output frequency scaling.
4. Filter Selection: Use the S2 and S3 pins to select the desired photodiode filter (red, green, blue, or clear).
5. Output Signal: Connect the OUT pin to a microcontroller or frequency counter to read the output signal.

• Ambient Light: Ensure the sensor is shielded from ambient light interference for accurate readings.
• Distance: Maintain a consistent distance between the sensor and the object being measured.
• Calibration: Calibrate the sensor for your specific application to ensure accurate color detection.
• Pull-up Resistors: Use pull-up resistors on the control pins (S0, S1, S2, S3) if they are connected to a microcontroller.

Below is an example Arduino sketch to read color data from the TCS3200:

// TCS3200 Color Sensor Example with Arduino UNO
// Connect the TCS3200 pins as follows:
// S0 -> Digital Pin 2, S1 -> Digital Pin 3
// S2 -> Digital Pin 4, S3 -> Digital Pin 5
// OUT -> Digital Pin 6, OE -> GND
// Vcc -> 5V, GND -> GND

const int S0 = 2;
const int S1 = 3;
const int S2 = 4;
const int S3 = 5;
const int OUT = 6;

void setup() {
  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);

  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  int red, green, blue;

  // Select red filter
  digitalWrite(S2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(S3, LOW);
  red = pulseIn(OUT, LOW); // Measure frequency for red

  // Select green filter
  digitalWrite(S2, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(S3, HIGH);
  green = pulseIn(OUT, LOW); // Measure frequency for green

  // Select blue filter
  digitalWrite(S2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(S3, HIGH);
  blue = pulseIn(OUT, LOW); // Measure frequency for blue

  // Print RGB values
  Serial.print("Red: ");
  Serial.print(red);
  Serial.print(" Green: ");
  Serial.print(green);
  Serial.print(" Blue: ");
  Serial.println(blue);

  delay(500); // Wait for 500ms before next reading
}

1. No Output Signal:

   • Ensure the OE pin is connected to ground to enable the output.
   • Verify the power supply voltage is within the specified range (2.7V to 5.5V).

2. Inaccurate Color Readings:

   • Check for ambient light interference and shield the sensor if necessary.
   • Ensure the object being measured is within the sensor's optimal range.

3. Fluctuating Readings:

   • Verify stable power supply and proper grounding.
   • Use capacitors to filter noise in the power supply.

Q: Can the TCS3200 detect colors in low light conditions?
A: Yes, but the sensor's accuracy may decrease in extremely low light. Use additional lighting if needed.

Q: How do I calibrate the TCS3200 for my application?
A: Measure the sensor's output for known reference colors and create a mapping to your desired color space.

Q: Can I use the TCS3200 with a 3.3V microcontroller?
A: Yes, the TCS3200 operates with a supply voltage as low as 2.7V, making it compatible with 3.3V systems.