QTR-MD-16A Reflectance Sensor Array: 16 channel, Analog - Pololu

QTR-MD-16A Reflectance Sensor is an array of IR LED/phototransistor pairs is great for precisely identifying changes in reflectance (like line detection). It operates from 2.9 V to 5.5 V and offers dimmable brightness control independent of the supply voltage and separate controls for the odd and even emitters. In general, the closer the object, the higher the contrast between light and dark readings, but high-reflectance objects are generally detectable out to around 50 mm. This version features the traditional-style QTR sensors without lenses.

These reflectance sensors feature a linear array of infrared emitter/phototransistor pair modules in a high-density (4 mm pitch) or medium-density (8 mm pitch) arrangement, which makes them well suited for applications that require detection of changes in reflectivity. This change in reflectivity can be due to a color change at a fixed distance, such as when sensing a black line on a white background, as well as due to a change in the distance to or presence of an object in front of the sensor. A variety of sensor counts and densities is available so you can pick the ideal arrangement for your application. Since the outputs are all independent, you can connect just some of the channels to attain an irregular or non-standard.

QTR integrated LED drivers that provide brightness control independent of the supply voltage, which can be anywhere from 2.9 V to 5.5 V, while enabling optional dimming to any of 32 possible brightness settings. For high-density (HD) modules with five or more sensors and medium-density (MD) modules with eleven or more sensors, there are separate controls for the odd-numbered and even-numbered LEDs, which gives you extra options for detecting light reflected at various angles. The “QTR” versions feature lower-cost sensor modules without lenses while the “QTRX” versions feature higher-performance sensor modules with lenses, which allow similar performance at a much lower IR LED current.

Specifications of QTR-MD-16A Reflectance Sensor Array
 

• Operating voltage: 2.9 V to 5.5 V
• Sensor type: QTR
• Sensor count: 16
• Sensor pitch: 8 mm
• Full-brightness LED current: 30 mA (independent of supply voltage)
• Max board current: 250 mA
• Output format: analog voltages (0 V to VCC)
• Optimal sensing distance: 5 mm
• Maximum recommended sensing distance: 50 mm
• Dimensions: 125.0 × 16.5 × 2.5 mm

Package includes:
 

• 1 x QTR-MD-16A Reflectance Sensor Array

Development resources:
 

• Product page
• Schematic diagrams QTR/QTRX-HD Reflectance Sensor Arrays
• Dimension diagrams QTR/QTRX Reflectance Sensor Arrays