The board's QRE1113 IR reflectance sensor is comprised of two parts - an IR emitting LED and an IR sensitive phototransistor. When you apply power to the VCC and GND pins the IR LED inside the sensor will illuminate. A 100O resistor is on-board and placed in series with the LED to limit current. The output of the phototransistor is tied to a 10nF capacitor. The faster that capacitor discharges, the more reflective the surface is.
These sensors are widely used in line following robots. White surfaces reflect more light than black, so, when directed towards a white surface, the capacitor will discharge faster than it would when pointed towards a black surface.
The power input and output pins are brought out to a 3-pin, 0.1" pitch header. The board also has a single mounting hole if you want to screw it onto something.
Features- 5VDC operating voltage
- 25mA supply current
- Digital I/O compatible
- No ADC required
- Optimal sensing distance: 0.125" (3mm)
