How to Use TCS3200 Waveshare: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TCS3200 Waveshare is a color sensor module designed to detect and measure the intensity of red, green, blue, and clear light. It is based on the TCS3200 programmable color light-to-frequency converter. The module features an array of photodiodes with red, green, blue, and clear filters, along with an integrated frequency-to-voltage converter. The output is a square wave with a frequency proportional to the intensity of the detected light.

• Color recognition in robotics
• Object sorting by color
• Ambient light sensing
• Industrial automation for color-based quality control
• Educational projects and prototyping

• Supply Voltage: 2.7V to 5.5V
• Output: Square wave (frequency proportional to light intensity)
• Current Consumption: 2mA (typical)
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to 85°C
• Photodiode Array: 8x8 (64 photodiodes)
  • 16 red-filtered
  • 16 green-filtered
  • 16 blue-filtered
  • 16 clear (no filter)
• Programmable Output Frequency Scaling: 100%, 20%, 2%
• Communication Interface: Digital (frequency output)

The TCS3200 Waveshare module has a 6-pin interface. Below is the pinout:

1. Power the Module: Connect the VCC pin to a 5V power source and the GND pin to ground.
2. Connect the Output: Connect the OUT pin to a digital input pin on your microcontroller.
3. Set Frequency Scaling: Use the S0 and S1 pins to set the output frequency scaling:
   • S0 = LOW, S1 = LOW: Power down
   • S0 = LOW, S1 = HIGH: 2% scaling
   • S0 = HIGH, S1 = LOW: 20% scaling
   • S0 = HIGH, S1 = HIGH: 100% scaling
4. Select Color Filter: Use the S2 and S3 pins to select the photodiode filter:
   • S2 = LOW, S3 = LOW: Red filter
   • S2 = LOW, S3 = HIGH: Blue filter
   • S2 = HIGH, S3 = LOW: Clear (no filter)
   • S2 = HIGH, S3 = HIGH: Green filter
5. Read the Output: Measure the frequency of the OUT pin using a microcontroller or frequency counter. The frequency is proportional to the intensity of the selected color.

• Avoid Ambient Light Interference: Use the sensor in a controlled lighting environment or shield it from ambient light to improve accuracy.
• Calibrate the Sensor: Perform calibration to account for variations in light sources and sensor sensitivity.
• Use Pull-Down Resistors: If the S0, S1, S2, and S3 pins are not actively driven, use pull-down resistors to prevent floating states.
• Frequency Scaling: Use lower frequency scaling (e.g., 2%) for high-intensity light to avoid saturation.

Below is an example Arduino sketch to read RGB values from the TCS3200 Waveshare module:

// Pin definitions
#define S0 7  // Frequency scaling pin S0
#define S1 6  // Frequency scaling pin S1
#define S2 5  // Color filter selection pin S2
#define S3 4  // Color filter selection pin S3
#define OUT 3 // Frequency output pin

void setup() {
  // Set pin modes
  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); // Initialize serial communication
}

void loop() {
  int redFrequency, greenFrequency, blueFrequency;

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

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

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

  // Print RGB values
  Serial.print("Red: ");
  Serial.print(redFrequency);
  Serial.print(" Green: ");
  Serial.print(greenFrequency);
  Serial.print(" Blue: ");
  Serial.println(blueFrequency);

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

1. No Output Signal:

   • Ensure the module is powered correctly (VCC and GND connections).
   • Verify that the S0 and S1 pins are set to a valid frequency scaling mode.

2. Inconsistent Readings:

   • Check for ambient light interference and shield the sensor if necessary.
   • Ensure proper calibration for the specific lighting conditions.

3. Output Frequency Too High or Low:

   • Adjust the frequency scaling using the S0 and S1 pins.
   • Verify that the microcontroller can handle the frequency range.

4. Incorrect Color Detection:

   • Ensure the S2 and S3 pins are set to the correct filter selection.
   • Verify that the object being measured is close enough to the sensor.

Q: Can the TCS3200 Waveshare detect colors in complete darkness?
A: No, the sensor requires a light source to detect colors. Use an external LED for illumination if needed.

Q: How do I calibrate the sensor?
A: Measure the frequency output for known colors and use these values as reference points in your code.

Q: Can I use the TCS3200 with a 3.3V microcontroller?
A: Yes, the TCS3200 operates at 2.7V to 5.5V, making it compatible with 3.3V systems. Ensure proper voltage levels for logic pins.