TCS3200 Color Sensor: Datasheet, Arduino, Working
Optical Sensors - Light To Frequency & Light To Voltage TriColor Sensor LTF Low Power
In the TCS3200 colour sensor, the light-to-frequency converter reads an 8 x 8 array of photodiodes. This post will unlock more details about TCS3200. There is a huge range of Semiconductors, Capacitors, Resistors and ICs in stock. Welcome your RFQ!

Colour sensor TCS3200 interface with Arduino detailed tutorial
TCS3200 Pinout

TCS3200 Pinout
TCS3200 CAD Model
Symbol

TCS3200 Symbol
Footprint

TCS3200 Footprint
3D Model

TCS3200 3D Model
TCS3200 Description
The TCS3200 programmable colour light-to-frequency converters combine configurable silicon photodiodes and a current-to-frequency converter on a single monolithic CMOS integrated circuit. The output is a square wave (50% duty cycle) with frequency directly proportional to light intensity (irradiance).
In the TCS3200, the light-to-frequency converter reads an 8 x 8 array of photodiodes. Sixteen photodiodes have blue filters, 16 photodiodes have green filters, 16 photodiodes have red filters, and 16 photodiodes are clear with no filters.
The four types (colours) of photodiodes are interdigitated to minimize the effect of non-uniformity of incident irradiance. All photodiodes of the same colour are connected in parallel. Pins S2 and S3 are used to select which group of photodiodes (red, green, blue, clear) are active. Photodiodes are 110 μm x 110 μm in size and are in 134-μm centres.
How to use TCS3200 Color Sensor Module?
This Arduino compatible TCS3200 colour sensor module consists of a TAOS TCS3200 RGB sensor chip and 4 white LEDs. The main part of the module is the TCS3200 chip which is a Color Light-to-Frequency Converter.
With the help of a microprocessor, the TCS3200 colour sensor module can detect colours. The output frequency from the 6th pin is really measured by the microcontroller.
When each filter is activated, we must measure the frequency from the 6th pin to determine the colour of an object.
Set both S2 and S3 to LOW and take a frequency reading. Now we get the object's RED component's intensity.
To get the intensity of the BLUE component in the object, set S2 to LOW and S3 to HIGH.
Set both S2 and S3 to HIGH to determine the object's GREEN component's intensity.
To determine the true colour of the object, compare the frequencies of the three components.
TIP: In Arduino, we can use the ‘pulseIn’ command to get the frequency variations.
e.g.: digitalWrite(S2, LOW);digitalWrite(S3, LOW); //Activating photodiode with red filter red = pulseIn(outpin, LOW);
The value corresponding to the red color component of the object color is obtained here.
Similarly, we must change the S2 and S3 states of each photodiode and read the appropriate values of the green and blue color components of the object color.
We get an estimated value of red=16, green=53, and blue=45 for a Red item. Ambient light and experiment setting may influence this. It is preferable to shield the item and sensor from ambient light for the best results.
TCS3200 Feature
High-Resolution Conversion of Light Intensity to Frequency
Programmable Color and Full-Scale Output Frequency
Communicates Directly With a Microcontroller
Single-Supply Operation (2.7 V to 5.5 V)
Power Down Feature
Nonlinearity Error Typically 0.2% at 50 kHz
Stable 200 ppm/°C Temperature Coefficient
Low-Profile Lead (Pb) Free and RoHS Compliant Surface-Mount Package
TCS3200 Functional Block Diagram

TCS3200 Functional Block Diagram
TCS3200 Manufacturer
Headquartered in Austria, AMS(listed on the SIX Swiss stock exchange (ticker symbol: AMS)) is a global leader with about 10,000 employees worldwide and serves more than 8,000 customers globally. AMS, as a leading designer and manufacturer of cutting-edge sensor solutions, are committed to shaping the world with sensor solutions by offering a no-obstacle interface between human and technology. In areas of optical sensing, image sensing and audio sensing, AMS keeps focusing on sensor-rich market segmentation, delivering high-performance sensor solutions and enhancing its unique leadership.
Specifications
- TypeParameter
- Package / Case
refers to the protective housing that encases an electronic component, providing mechanical support, electrical connections, and thermal management.
8-SOIC (0.154, 3.90mm Width) - Number of Pins8
- Weight90.718474mg
- Operating Temperature
The operating temperature is the range of ambient temperature within which a power supply, or any other electrical equipment, operate in. This ranges from a minimum operating temperature, to a peak or maximum operating temperature, outside which, the power supply may fail.
-40°C~85°C - Packaging
Semiconductor package is a carrier / shell used to contain and cover one or more semiconductor components or integrated circuits. The material of the shell can be metal, plastic, glass or ceramic.
Tape & Reel (TR) - Part Status
Parts can have many statuses as they progress through the configuration, analysis, review, and approval stages.
Not For New Designs - Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) is a standardized rating that indicates the susceptibility of electronic components, particularly semiconductors, to moisture-induced damage during storage and the soldering process, defining the allowable exposure time to ambient conditions before they require special handling or baking to prevent failures
5A (24 Hours) - Voltage - Supply
Voltage - Supply refers to the range of voltage levels that an electronic component or circuit is designed to operate with. It indicates the minimum and maximum supply voltage that can be applied for the device to function properly. Providing supply voltages outside this range can lead to malfunction, damage, or reduced performance. This parameter is critical for ensuring compatibility between different components in a circuit.
2.7V~5.5V - Output
In electronic components, the parameter "Output" typically refers to the signal or data that is produced by the component and sent to another part of the circuit or system. The output can be in the form of voltage, current, frequency, or any other measurable quantity depending on the specific component. The output of a component is often crucial in determining its functionality and how it interacts with other components in the circuit. Understanding the output characteristics of electronic components is essential for designing and troubleshooting electronic circuits effectively.
Frequency - Current - Supply (Max)
The parameter "Current - Supply (Max)" in electronic components refers to the maximum amount of current that a component can draw from a power supply for its operation. This parameter is critical for ensuring that the power supply can adequately meet the demands of the component without causing damage or malfunction. Exceeding this specified maximum current can lead to overheating, reduced performance, or failure of the component. It is essential to consider this value when designing or integrating components into electronic circuits to maintain reliability and functionality.
2mA @ 5V - Operating Supply Voltage
The voltage level by which an electrical system is designated and to which certain operating characteristics of the system are related.
5V - Operating Supply Current
Operating Supply Current, also known as supply current or quiescent current, is a crucial parameter in electronic components that indicates the amount of current required for the device to operate under normal conditions. It represents the current drawn by the component from the power supply while it is functioning. This parameter is important for determining the power consumption of the component and is typically specified in datasheets to help designers calculate the overall power requirements of their circuits. Understanding the operating supply current is essential for ensuring proper functionality and efficiency of electronic systems.
1.4mA - Max Supply Current
Max Supply Current refers to the maximum amount of electrical current that a component can draw from its power supply under normal operating conditions. It is a critical parameter that ensures the component operates reliably without exceeding its thermal limits or damaging internal circuitry. Exceeding this current can lead to overheating, performance degradation, or failure of the component. Understanding this parameter is essential for designing circuits that provide adequate power while avoiding overload situations.
2mA - Max Frequency
Max Frequency refers to the highest frequency at which an electronic component can operate effectively without degradation of performance. It is a critical parameter for devices such as transistors, capacitors, and oscillators, indicating their limitations in speed and response time. Exceeding the max frequency can lead to issues like signal distortion, heat generation, and potential failure of the component. Understanding this parameter is essential for designing circuits to ensure reliable and efficient operation.
600kHz - Wavelength
In electronic components, "wavelength" refers to the distance between two consecutive points of a wave, typically measured from peak to peak or trough to trough. It is a crucial parameter in understanding the behavior of electromagnetic waves and signals in various electronic devices. The wavelength of a signal is inversely proportional to its frequency, meaning that higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths and vice versa. Understanding the wavelength of signals is important for designing and optimizing electronic circuits, antennas, and communication systems.
640 nm - Features
In the context of electronic components, the term "Features" typically refers to the specific characteristics or functionalities that a particular component offers. These features can vary depending on the type of component and its intended use. For example, a microcontroller may have features such as built-in memory, analog-to-digital converters, and communication interfaces like UART or SPI.When evaluating electronic components, understanding their features is crucial in determining whether they meet the requirements of a particular project or application. Engineers and designers often look at features such as operating voltage, speed, power consumption, and communication protocols to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.In summary, the "Features" parameter in electronic components describes the unique attributes and capabilities that differentiate one component from another, helping users make informed decisions when selecting components for their electronic designs.
Auto Power Down - RoHS Status
RoHS means “Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances” in the “Hazardous Substances Directive” in electrical and electronic equipment.
RoHS Compliant - Lead Free
Lead Free is a term used to describe electronic components that do not contain lead as part of their composition. Lead is a toxic material that can have harmful effects on human health and the environment, so the electronics industry has been moving towards lead-free components to reduce these risks. Lead-free components are typically made using alternative materials such as silver, copper, and tin. Manufacturers must comply with regulations such as the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive to ensure that their products are lead-free and environmentally friendly.
Lead Free
Datasheet PDF
- Datasheets :
- PCN Design/Specification :
How does TCS3200 Color Sensor work?
The TCS3200 senses color light with the help of an 8 x 8 array of photodiodes. Then using a Current-to-Frequency Converter the readings from the photodiodes are converted into a square wave with a frequency directly proportional to the light intensity. Finally, using the Arduino Board we can read the square wave output and get the results for the color.
What is the benifit of TCS3200?
Enables high-resolution conversion of light intensity to frequency Disables the output into a Hi-Impedance state when the OE input pin is Low Enables output range to be optimized for a variety of low-cost measurement techniques Reduces board space requirements while simplifying designs
How to program color sensor tcs3200?
First set the input pins as input and output pins as output. No need to use analogue pins. Set S0 and S1 to high or low to set desired frequency scaling. In a loop, activate each filter by setting S2 and S3 to HIGH or LOW and measure frequency ‘fo’ from the 6th pin to get corresponding colour intensity. Compare frequencies of each colour to determine the colour of the object.
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