8 Channel IR Reflectance Sensor module
The QTR-8RC by Pololu is a perfect choice for those looking to build robots that can follow lines using digital IR infrared reflectance technology.
8 Channel IR Reflectance Sensor module and corresponding phototransistors, used to gauge the infrared light reflection of a surface. Light colors reflect while dark colors absorb. Your robot’s microcontroller can directly read each of the eight channels through its digital I/O lines.
The line tracking sensor module utilizes RC timing to enable your microcontroller’s digital I/O lines to measure analog values. While its main function is for line sensing, this module is also suitable for other proximity and reflectance detection needs.
Each of the eight infrared reflectance sensors operates independently and has its own capacitor to establish an RC timing circuit. This enables each sensor to accurately determine the amount of reflectance based on time.
8 Channel IR Reflectance Sensor module is compatible with both 5V and 3.3V microcontrollers, depending on the jumper setting. When in use, it consumes approximately 100mA. To save energy during idle periods, the infrared LEDs can be turned off, using only 10mA.
The use of something.
- Activate the IR LEDs, if desired.
- Configure the digital I/O line to output mode and raise its level.
- Allow the capacitor to charge for a minimum of 10 microseconds.
- Configure the digital I/O line to receive input.
- Measure the duration of the input pulse’s transition from high to low.
- Deactivate the IR LEDs if desired.
- Typically, these steps are carried out simultaneously to measure the output of each channel concurrently.
The duration of each pulse being high directly relates to the infrared light reflected. Lighter hues reflect a greater amount of infrared light and thus result in shorter pulse durations, while darker shades reflect less light and have longer pulse durations. The exact timing may differ depending on the microcontroller’s capabilities, but typically falls between a few microseconds and milliseconds. With this timing, reliable line detection can be achieved within 1 millisecond, enabling a sampling rate of up to 1 kHz.
The Pololu AVR library is compatible with this 8 Channel IR Reflectance Sensor module and can be used with the Pololu Orangutan Robot Controllers. Additionally, there are libraries and example code specifically for Arduino available to expedite the set up of your robot project using this module.
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