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TCS3200 Color Sensor Module

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Ekostra Electronics

On April 7, 2025

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TCS3200 Color Sensor Module

Precise RGB Color Detection for Arduino and Embedded Projects

Introduction

The TCS3200 Color Sensor is a programmable color light-to-frequency converter that combines configurable silicon photodiodes and a current-to-frequency converter. It can detect and measure the intensity of red, green, blue, and white light, making it ideal for color sorting, ambient light sensing, and industrial automation applications.

Key Features

🌈 RGB Detection

Measures red, green, and blue light separately

⚙️ Programmable

Adjustable output frequency scaling (2%, 20%, 100%)

⚡ Fast Response

High-frequency output up to 600kHz

🔧 Easy Integration

Works with 3.3V or 5V systems including Arduino

Technical Specifications

Detection Range	380nm-700nm (Visible Light Spectrum)
Photodiode Type	16 photodiodes (4 red, 4 green, 4 blue, 4 clear)
Output Frequency	0Hz to 600kHz
Supply Voltage	2.7V – 5.5V DC
Current Consumption	~2mA (typical)
Output Scaling	2%, 20%, or 100% (programmable)
Operating Temperature	-40°C to +85°C

Pin Configuration

Pin	Label	Description	Arduino Connection
1	VCC	Power (3.3V or 5V)	5V
2	GND	Ground	GND
3	S0	Frequency scaling selection	D2
4	S1	Frequency scaling selection	D3
5	S2	Photodiode type selection	D4
6	S3	Photodiode type selection	D5
7	OUT	Frequency output	D6
8	OE	Output enable (active low, optional)	GND (if not used)

Note: The sensor requires proper lighting conditions for accurate color detection

Wiring with Arduino

// Basic Connections:
// VCC → 5V
// GND → GND
// S0 → D2
// S1 → D3
// S2 → D4
// S3 → D5
// OUT → D6
// OE → GND (if used)

// For best results, use consistent lighting and calibrate with known colors

// Basic Connections:

// VCC → 5V

// GND → GND

// S0 → D2

// S1 → D3

// S2 → D4

// S3 → D5

// OUT → D6

// OE → GND (if used)

// For best results, use consistent lighting and calibrate with known colors

Important: Avoid direct sunlight as it may affect color readings

Basic Color Detection Example

// TCS3200 Color Sensor Basic Example
#define S0 2
#define S1 3
#define S2 4
#define S3 5
#define 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() {
  // Read Red component
  digitalWrite(S2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(S3, LOW);
  int red = pulseIn(OUT, LOW);
  
  // Read Green component
  digitalWrite(S2, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(S3, HIGH);
  int green = pulseIn(OUT, LOW);
  
  // Read Blue component
  digitalWrite(S2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(S3, HIGH);
  int blue = pulseIn(OUT, LOW);
  
  Serial.print("R: "); Serial.print(red);
  Serial.print(" G: "); Serial.print(green);
  Serial.print(" B: "); Serial.println(blue);
  
  delay(500);
}

// TCS3200 Color Sensor Basic Example

#define S0 2

#define S1 3

#define S2 4

#define S3 5

#define 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() {

// Read Red component

digitalWrite(S2, LOW);

digitalWrite(S3, LOW);

int red = pulseIn(OUT, LOW);

// Read Green component

digitalWrite(S2, HIGH);

digitalWrite(S3, HIGH);

int green = pulseIn(OUT, LOW);

// Read Blue component

digitalWrite(S2, LOW);

digitalWrite(S3, HIGH);

int blue = pulseIn(OUT, LOW);

Serial.print("R: "); Serial.print(red);

Serial.print(" G: "); Serial.print(green);

Serial.print(" B: "); Serial.println(blue);

delay(500);

}

Advanced Features

Frequency Scaling

// Set frequency scaling (S0, S1)
// 2% scaling (low power)
digitalWrite(S0, LOW);
digitalWrite(S1, HIGH);

// 20% scaling (recommended)
digitalWrite(S0, HIGH);
digitalWrite(S1, LOW);

// 100% scaling (maximum)
digitalWrite(S0, HIGH);
digitalWrite(S1, HIGH);

// Set frequency scaling (S0, S1)

// 2% scaling (low power)

digitalWrite(S0, LOW);

digitalWrite(S1, HIGH);

// 20% scaling (recommended)

digitalWrite(S0, HIGH);

digitalWrite(S1, LOW);

// 100% scaling (maximum)

digitalWrite(S0, HIGH);

digitalWrite(S1, HIGH);

Color Filter Selection

// Select photodiode type (S2, S3)
// Red filter
digitalWrite(S2, LOW);
digitalWrite(S3, LOW);

// Green filter
digitalWrite(S2, HIGH);
digitalWrite(S3, HIGH);

// Blue filter
digitalWrite(S2, LOW);
digitalWrite(S3, HIGH);

// No filter (clear)
digitalWrite(S2, HIGH);
digitalWrite(S3, LOW);

// Select photodiode type (S2, S3)

// Red filter

digitalWrite(S2, LOW);

digitalWrite(S3, LOW);

// Green filter

digitalWrite(S2, HIGH);

digitalWrite(S3, HIGH);

// Blue filter

digitalWrite(S2, LOW);

digitalWrite(S3, HIGH);

// No filter (clear)

digitalWrite(S2, HIGH);

digitalWrite(S3, LOW);

Color Calibration

// Calibration with known colors
void calibrate() {
  // Measure reference colors first
  // Store reference values in EEPROM
  // Compare new readings to references
}

// Calibration with known colors

void calibrate() {

// Measure reference colors first

// Store reference values in EEPROM

// Compare new readings to references

}

Color Identification

// Simple color identification
String getColorName(int r, int g, int b) {
  if (r > g && r > b) return "Red";
  if (g > r && g > b) return "Green";
  if (b > r && b > g) return "Blue";
  return "Unknown";
}

// Simple color identification

String getColorName(int r, int g, int b) {

if (r > g && r > b) return "Red";

if (g > r && g > b) return "Green";

if (b > r && b > g) return "Blue";

return "Unknown";

}

Troubleshooting

Inconsistent Readings

Ensure stable lighting conditions
Calibrate with known reference colors
Check for sensor saturation (too bright)

No Output

Verify power connections (3.3V/5V)
Check frequency scaling settings
Ensure OE pin is properly connected

Color Inaccuracy

Use diffused lighting to prevent glare
Maintain consistent distance to objects
Implement proper calibration routine

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TCS3200 Color Sensor Module

Introduction

Key Features

🌈 RGB Detection

⚙️ Programmable

⚡ Fast Response

🔧 Easy Integration

Technical Specifications

Pin Configuration

Wiring with Arduino

Basic Color Detection Example

Advanced Features

Frequency Scaling

Color Filter Selection

Color Calibration

Color Identification

Troubleshooting

Inconsistent Readings

No Output

Color Inaccuracy

Project Ideas

Color Sorting Machine

Ambient Light Controller

Industrial Quality Control

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