The world of color sensors has been evolving and growing in popularity, especially in DIY projects and with platforms such as Arduino. One of the most advanced and affordable sensors is the TCS34725, which stands out for its ease of use and accuracy. If you are working on a project that requires accurate color detection, this sensor is a highly recommended option.
In this article, we will explore the features and applications of the TCS34725 in depth, as well as provide you with some code examples that will allow you to quickly integrate it into your Arduino or other microcontroller-based projects.
What is the TCS34725 color sensor?
El TCS34725 is a digital optical sensor that measures RGB and Clear colors, i.e. the intensity of red, green, blue and clear light. Unlike other more basic sensors, this one offers greater precision and ease of use due to its digital output and its ability to communicate via I2C.
This sensor also integrates a infrared (IR) filter, which improves measurement quality under ambient light conditions by eliminating some of the noise that could distort the results. Thanks to its 16-bit ADC (analog-digital converter), the measurement is highly accurate.
In addition to being compatible with Arduino, the TCS34725 can be used in conjunction with platforms such as Raspberry Pi or any other device that allows I2C communication. This makes it a versatile component for different applications in electronics and robotics projects.
Main features of the TCS34725 sensor
The TCS34725 has several features that make it stand out from other color sensors:
- Built-in IR filterBy blocking ultraviolet and infrared spectrum radiation, the sensor achieves superior accuracy in color measurement.
- Dynamic range of 3.800.000:1: This gives you great flexibility when working in low light conditions.
- Operating voltage between 3.3V and 5V: This range allows it to operate with both 3.3V and 5V logic, making it ideal for both Arduino and other microcontroller projects.
- Simple I2C communication: Very simple to integrate into popular development boards such as Arduino and Raspberry.
- Built-in neutral white LED light: The sensor includes an LED that provides neutral lighting (4150ºK), making it easy to accurately measure the color of objects that lack external lighting.
Connection and assembly diagram
The TCS34725 is available in modules that are ready for use on breadboards or test systems. The sensor can be powered with 3.3V or 5V, and communication is via the I2C bus, which greatly simplifies the connection process.
To connect it to an Arduino board, the most important pins will be:
- GND: Ground.
- VCC or VIN: 3.3V or 5V power supply.
- SDA: I2C data pin (you can connect it to pin A4 on Arduino Uno).
- SCL: I2C Clock Pin (connect to pin A5 on Arduino Uno).
The additional pin called LED allows you to control the on-board LED of the sensor. You can leave it unconnected to keep it on all the time, or you can connect it to a digital pin and control it from code, turning it on or off as needed.
TCS34725 Sensor Operation
The TCS34725 sensor is composed of an array of filtered photodiodes, each of which detects a specific light: red, green, blue, or clear (no specific filter). This information is converted into a digital signal by the integrated 16-bit ADC and communicated with the controller board via I2C.
The sensor includes a infrared filter which improves the accuracy of readings by eliminating interference from ambient infrared light. It also incorporates advanced features that allow the gain and integration time to be adjusted according to the needs of the project.
This is especially useful when working in environments with different lighting conditions, as the sensor can be adapted to perform optimally in each situation. Its high dynamic range means that it can work even when measuring through dark glass, which adds versatility in industrial applications or situations where the sensor is not directly exposed to light.
Codes and practical examples for Arduino
To use this sensor with Arduino, there are several libraries designed specifically for this purpose. Among the most recommended is the Adafruit library, which offers a wide variety of examples to get you started.
Below are two examples of practical use:
Read RGB values
This example is the most basic one: it consists of reading the values of the red, green, blue and light channels from the sensor and displaying them through the Arduino serial monitor. This displayed data is very useful for analyzing color intensity and performing basic calculations.
// Configuración básica para leer valores RGB
#include <Wire.h>
#include "Adafruit_TCS34725.h"
Adafruit_TCS34725 tcs = Adafruit_TCS34725(TCS34725_INTEGRATIONTIME_700MS, TCS34725_GAIN_1X);
void setup(void) {
Serial.begin(9600);
if (!tcs.begin()) {
Serial.println("No se pudo iniciar el sensor");
while (1);
}
}
void loop(void) {
uint16_t r, g, b, c;
tcs.getRawData(&r, &g, &b, &c);
Serial.print("Rojo: "); Serial.println(r);
Serial.print("Verde: "); Serial.println(g);
Serial.print("Azul: "); Serial.println(b);
delay(1000);
}This simple code will get the values directly from the sensor and print them to the serial port for analysis. From this data you can experiment and get the information you need for your projects.
Sort colors
A more advanced step is to create an algorithm that classifies the colors that the sensor detects. For this example, we convert the RGB values obtained to HSV format (hue, saturation, and value), which will allow us to perform a more precise color classification.
For this example, it is ideal to use some RGB to HSV conversion library such as 'ColorConverter', although you can program the conversion manually.
Practical applications of TCS34725
El TCS34725 sensor can be used in a wide variety of applications. Due to its precision and ease of integration into electronic projects, it is ideal for areas such as:
- Automatic classification of objects by color: Robotic systems that require identifying and separating objects by their color.
- Interactive lighting effects: Monitoring and adjusting lights in home automation systems or artistic installations.
- Quality control in industrial processes: Monitoring and analysis of color quality in manufactured products.
Its versatility makes it a valuable tool in any project where accurate color detection is important. From automation to digital art, the TCS34725 is a perfect ally for obtaining reliable color data.
If you are looking for an accurate, affordable and versatile color sensor, the TCS34725 is an option that should not be ruled out. Whether you already have experience working with sensors or if this is your first project, this component will provide you with excellent results in color measurement.