SmartElex RLS-06 Analog & Digital Line Sensor Array

With its six IR LED/phototransistor pairs, the SmartElex RLS-06 Analog & Digital Line Sensor Array is an excellent detector for a line-following robot. Every sensor has an analog and digital output of its own. potentiometer to modify each sensor’s sensitivity independently. Though it can be used as a general-purpose proximity or reflectance sensor, the TCRT5000 reflectance sensors array is designed to be a line sensor. Eight pairs of IR emitters and receivers (phototransistor) evenly spaced at intervals are carried by the module, which is a convenient carrier.

A voltage divider is created by connecting each phototransistor to a pull-up resistor. This voltage divider generates an analog voltage output as a function of the reflected infrared radiation between 0 V and VIN, which is normally 5 V. Greater reflection is indicated by the lower output voltage. The LEDs are placed in pairs to reduce current usage, but the outputs are all independent. A MOSFET that controls the LEDs has its gate generally pulled high; this allows the LEDs to be switched off by lowering the MOSFET gate voltage. When the sensors are not in use, it may be beneficial to turn off the LEDs in order to reduce power consumption or to adjust the LEDs’ effective brightness using PWM control.

The LED current-limiting resistors for 5 V operation are arranged in two stages; this allows a simple bypass of one stage to enable operation at 3.3 V. The LED current is approximately 20-25 mA, making the total board consumption just under 100 mA. The schematic diagram of the module is shown above.

Features:

1. Potentiometer to adjust the sensitivity of the individual sensors.
2. The module is a convenient carrier for six IR emitter and receiver pairs evenly paced.
3. Uses 6 sensors for best resolution
4. Great useful in building fast line following and grid navigating robots
5. Comes with easy to use digital outputs that can be connected directly to microcontrollers
6. The array has mounting holes of 3mm diameter for easy mounting

Package Includes:

1 x SmartElex RLS-06 Analog & Digital Line Sensor Array