When we enter the world of color sensors for projects with microcontrollers like Arduino, two names usually stand out: the TCS34725 and TCS3200Both are widely used components, but they have key differences that are worth exploring before deciding which is best suited to our needs.
The sensor TCS3200 is one of the most popular for years, known for its reliability in detecting basic colors. However, the TCS34725 has proven to be a more advanced option, with some features that improve its accuracy and ease of use. Below, we'll compare these two sensors in detail so you can make an informed decision.
What is TCS34725?
El TCS34725 It is a digital sensor that measures RGB colors in real time. One of the most notable advantages of this model is its ability to make measurements with greater precision than that of the TCS3200, making it a superior choice for projects requiring accurate color detection.
This sensor comes integrated with an infrared filter, which reduces interference caused by the environment and improves the fidelity of color reading. In addition, its wide dynamic range and ability to work even under low-light conditions give it a notable advantage over other models. It is ideal for applications where it is necessary to measure colors accurately and without distortions, such as in robotics projects or image analysis.
How does the TCS34725 work?
El TCS34725 uses an array of 3×4 photodiodes which are designed to capture specific wavelengths corresponding to the colors red, green, blue and clear (without filter). Each of these photodiodes is filtered to eliminate interference from infrared light, providing more accurate color capture. In addition, this sensor features 16-bit ADC converters that transform analog data into digital values for processing.
One of the most useful features of the TCS34725 is its ability to use interruptions to warn when a lighting threshold has been exceeded. This allows the sensor to detect light or colour changes more efficiently and trigger an interruption signal automatically.
What is TCS3200?
Furthermore, the TCS3200 It is a more basic sensor that has been widely used to detect primary colors. Although it is considered a reliable sensor, Its accuracy is lower than that of the TCS34725, as it lacks some of the more advanced features, such as the infrared filter.
The operation of the TCS3200 is based on a set of photodiodes which are filtered to detect red, green, blue, plus an unfiltered channel. While it performs the color detection task adequately, it does not offer the detailed measurement capability or signal processing quality that you get with the TCS34725.
Key differences between the TCS3200 and the TCS34725
If you are considering which of these sensors best integrates into your project, you should take into account some key points that differentiate them:
- Reading accuracy: While the TCS3200 gives you basic color readings, the TCS34725 is much more accurate and can detect subtle differences thanks to its advanced technology.
- Infrared filter: This is a notable advantage of the TCS34725. The filter reduces noise, which is key if you want to get more accurate readings in environments where infrared lights can interfere.
- Communication interface: The TCS34725 uses I2C, which makes it much easier to connect and use with microcontrollers such as Arduino. The TCS3200, on the other hand, uses a more basic interface.
- Dynamic range: The dynamic range of the TCS34725 is much greater than that of the TCS3200, allowing colors to be measured even in low light conditions or through dark surfaces.
Assembly and connection
Mounting and connecting both sensors is relatively simple, but The TCS34725 stands out for the simplicity of its I2C protocol, which makes programming easier in environments such as Arduino. The sensor is powered with 3.3V, although in commercial modules it is common to find an additional input that allows the use of 5V, making it compatible with most devices.
To connect the TCS3200, you also need to handle several digital pins to read the color values. However, it does not have the same ease of adjustment or control via software, which means more manual work when calibrating the results.
Examples of using TCS34725
One of the most common applications of these sensors is in color measurement for projects. Below are some examples of how the TCS34725 is used:
Manual color measurement
The TCS34725 can be used to obtain accurate color readings via its library. By reading RGB values, the color measurement can be visualized and adjusted, ideal for projects such as color temperature measurement or lighting control.
Color classification
Another interesting application is color classification. Using the RGB values provided by the sensor, we can compare the detected colors with a predefined table and classify objects according to the corresponding color.
Implementation with RGB LEDs
The TCS34725 can also be integrated with RGB LED strips such as the WS2812b to create lighting effects that respond to detected colors. This is achieved by converting RGB values using the FastLED library and applying adjustments such as gamma correction, allowing for a visual representation of the detected color.
Both the TCS3200 and TCS34725 sensors have their advantages and disadvantages. While the TCS3200 is more basic but functional for simple color detection tasks, The TCS34725 excels in precision, flexibility and performance in more advanced projects.
Of course, the fact that the TCS34725 is more modern and accurate also means that it is slightly more expensive than the TCS3200. However, its price remains affordable for most makers and enthusiasts looking to improve their electronic projects.