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TCS3200D/TCS230 Color Recognition Sensor Module – High Precision RGB Light Detection

SKU: FA3023-0
Sensor IC

TAOS TCS3200D / TCS230
Photodiode Array

64 photodiodes (16 red, 16 green, 16 blue, 16 clear)
Output Type

Digital frequency (square wave)
Frequency Scaling

2% / 20% / 100% (selectable)
Operating Voltage

2.7V – 5.5V DC
Onboard LEDs

4× white LEDs
Pin Count

8 pins (VCC, GND, S0, S1, S2, S3, OUT, LED)
Module Dimensions

Compact PCB with mounting holes

The TCS3200D/TCS230 Color Recognition Sensor Module is a complete, ready-to-use color detection board designed for Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, and other microcontroller projects. Built around the TAOS TCS3200D (or pin-compatible TCS230) color light-to-frequency converter, this module enables your project to detect, identify, and differentiate colors by measuring the RGB (red, green, blue) components of light reflected from or emitted by an object. It is an ideal solution for color sorting machines, line-following robots, color matching systems, and educational STEM projects.

At the heart of the module is the TCS3200D/TCS230, a programmable color light-to-frequency converter that combines a configurable silicon photodiode array with a current-to-frequency converter on a single monolithic CMOS integrated circuit. The photodiode array consists of 64 photodiodes arranged in an 8×8 grid, with 16 photodiodes each having red, green, blue, and clear (no filter) filters. By selectively activating the red, green, blue, or clear filters via two control pins (S2 and S3), the sensor measures the intensity of each color component sequentially.

The module outputs a digital square wave whose frequency is directly proportional to the light intensity of the selected color channel. This frequency output is easily read by any microcontroller using a digital input pin and a pulse-counting routine — no ADC required. The output frequency range can be scaled using two additional pins (S0 and S1) to select one of three preset scaling options: 2% (power down), 20%, or 100% , allowing you to optimize the output for different lighting conditions and microcontroller speeds.

The module includes four bright white LEDs arranged around the sensor to provide consistent illumination for reflective color sensing. The LEDs can be left always-on or controlled by a microcontroller pin for power saving. The board also includes current-limiting resistors and decoupling capacitors for stable operation.

The TCS3200D/TCS230 operates from a 2.7V to 5.5V supply, making it compatible with both 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers. The compact form factor with mounting holes allows easy integration into sorting machines, robot chassis, and custom enclosures. The 8-pin interface provides straightforward connection: VCC, GND, S0, S1, S2, S3, OUT, and LED control.

The TCS3200D/TCS230 is widely used in color sorting systems, line-following robots (detecting colored lines), color matching devices, product inspection equipment, ambient light sensing, and educational STEM projects. It is also popular in DIY electronics and maker projects where color detection is required.

Important Note: The TCS3200D/TCS230 measures reflected light, so the distance between the sensor and the target object affects readings. For consistent results, maintain a fixed distance (typically 1–3cm) and ensure uniform illumination. The sensor’s output is a frequency, not an absolute color value — you must calibrate the sensor against known color references (white and black) for accurate color identification. The module is not waterproof and should be kept dry. Avoid ambient light interference by using the onboard LEDs and shielding the sensor from external light sources where possible.

Whether you are building a color sorting machine, a line-following robot, or an interactive color detection project, the TCS3200D/TCS230 Color Recognition Sensor Module provides a reliable, affordable solution. It is suitable for individual makers, students, and businesses purchasing in bulk for product development or educational programs.

Features

  • TCS3200D/TCS230 color light-to-frequency converter — Complete RGB color sensing on a single IC

  • Digital frequency output — No ADC required; frequency proportional to light intensity

  • Selectable color filters — Red, green, blue, and clear channels via S2/S3 pins

  • Programmable frequency scaling — 2%, 20%, or 100% output scaling via S0/S1 pins

  • Four white LEDs onboard — Consistent illumination for reflective color sensing

  • Wide voltage range — 2.7V to 5.5V DC, compatible with 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers

  • Compact form factor — With mounting holes for easy integration

  • 8-pin interface — VCC, GND, S0, S1, S2, S3, OUT, LED control

  • Wide application range — Color sorting, line following, color matching, inspection

  • Cost-effective — Affordable solution for color detection in volume production

Technical Specifications 

# Parameter Specification
1 Sensor IC TAOS TCS3200D / TCS230
2 Photodiode Array 64 photodiodes (16 red, 16 green, 16 blue, 16 clear)
3 Output Type Digital frequency (square wave)
4 Frequency Scaling 2% / 20% / 100% (selectable)
5 Operating Voltage 2.7V – 5.5V DC
6 Onboard LEDs 4× white LEDs
7 Pin Count 8 pins (VCC, GND, S0, S1, S2, S3, OUT, LED)
8 Module Dimensions Compact PCB with mounting holes

Usage

Getting Started

  1. Connect power — Supply 3.3V or 5V DC to the VCC pin and GND to ground. The module includes current-limiting resistors and decoupling capacitors.

  2. Connect control pins — Connect S0 and S1 to digital outputs on your microcontroller to select the frequency scaling (2%, 20%, or 100%).

  3. Connect filter select pins — Connect S2 and S3 to digital outputs to select the active color filter (red, green, blue, or clear).

  4. Connect output — Connect the OUT pin to a digital input pin on your microcontroller. Use a pulse-counting routine or interrupt to measure the frequency.

  5. Connect LEDs (optional) — Connect the LED pin to a digital output to control the onboard illumination, or connect to VCC for always-on operation.

  6. Calibrate — Place a white object under the sensor and record the RGB frequency readings. Then place a black object and record again. Use these values to normalize your color measurements.

  7. Implement color detection — Read the RGB frequency values and compare against your calibration data to identify colors.

Pin Connections

Module Pin Function
VCC Power (2.7V–5.5V)
GND Ground
S0 Frequency scaling select (bit 0)
S1 Frequency scaling select (bit 1)
S2 Color filter select (bit 0)
S3 Color filter select (bit 1)
OUT Frequency output (square wave)
LED Onboard LED control

Frequency Scaling (S0/S1)

S0 S1 Scaling
L L Power down
L H 2%
H L 20%
H H 100%

Color Filter Selection (S2/S3)

S2 S3 Color Channel
L L Red
L H Blue
H L Clear (no filter)
H H Green

Example Arduino Code

cpp
#define S0 4
#define S1 5
#define S2 6
#define S3 7
#define OUT 8

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  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);
}

int readColor() {
  return pulseIn(OUT, LOW);
}

void loop() {
  // Read Red
  digitalWrite(S2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(S3, LOW);
  int red = readColor();

  // Read Green
  digitalWrite(S2, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(S3, HIGH);
  int green = readColor();

  // Read Blue
  digitalWrite(S2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(S3, HIGH);
  int blue = readColor();

  Serial.print("R: "); Serial.print(red);
  Serial.print(" G: "); Serial.print(green);
  Serial.print(" B: "); Serial.println(blue);
  delay(200);
}

Typical Applications

  • Color sorting machines — Identify and sort objects by color

  • Line-following robots — Detect and follow colored lines

  • Color matching devices — Compare colors for quality control

  • Product inspection — Verify color consistency in manufacturing

  • Ambient light sensing — Measure light intensity and color temperature

  • Educational STEM projects — Teaching color sensing and frequency measurement

Notes for Business Buyers

  • Simple digital interface — Frequency output requires no ADC, just a digital input pin.

  • Programmable scaling and filters — Flexible configuration for different lighting and applications.

  • Onboard LEDs — Consistent illumination for reliable reflective color sensing.

  • Suitable for bulk purchasing — Ideal for sorting machine manufacturers, robotics integrators, and educational institutions.

Q: What is the TCS3200D/TCS230 Color Recognition Sensor Module used for?

It is a color detection module for identifying and measuring colors, used in color sorting machines, line-following robots, color matching devices, and educational STEM projects.

Q: What is the difference between TCS3200D and TCS230?

The TCS3200D and TCS230 are pin-compatible and functionally equivalent color light-to-frequency converters. The TCS3200D is a newer revision with minor internal improvements, but both can be used interchangeably in most applications.

Q: How does the TCS3200D/TCS230 work?

The sensor uses a 64-photodiode array with red, green, blue, and clear filters. By selectively activating each filter, it measures the intensity of each color component and outputs a frequency proportional to the light intensity.

Q: What is the output signal?

The module outputs a digital square wave whose frequency is proportional to the light intensity of the selected color channel. No ADC is required.

Q: What voltage does the module require?

It operates from 2.7V to 5.5V DC, making it compatible with both 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers.

Q: How do I calibrate the sensor?

Place a white object under the sensor and record the RGB frequency readings. Then place a black object and record again. Use these values to normalize your color measurements for accurate detection.

Q: What is the purpose of the onboard LEDs?

The four white LEDs provide consistent illumination for reflective color sensing, reducing the effects of ambient light variation.

Q: Can I use this module outdoors?

Not recommended. Ambient light (especially sunlight) can interfere with color readings. Use the onboard LEDs and shield the sensor from external light sources for best results.

Q: What is the recommended sensing distance?

Maintain a fixed distance of approximately 1–3cm between the sensor and the target object for consistent readings.

Q: Can I purchase in bulk for a product development project?

Yes. This module is suitable for both individual users and business purchasing, including sorting machine manufacturers, robotics integrators, and educational institutions.

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