Adafruit Reflective Infrared IR Optical Sensor with 470 and 10K Resistors

This Reflective IR Sensor is encased in a simple plastic shell with an IR LED and an IR phototransistor. Control the IR LED to emit infrared light, which reflects off objects to assess their reflectivity.

Objects in light colors reflect the infrared light, enabling detection, while dark colors absorb the light, making them undetectable. If there’s no object present, the sensor remains untriggered. It's ideal for detecting objects passing by or functioning as a basic hand-detector.

Specifications:

• Includes a 470 ohm resistor for IR LED biasing
• Includes a 10K resistor for phototransistor pull-up
• Breadboard friendly and easy to solder
• Optimal detection at 2mm to 10mm, with 5mm as the sweet spot

Use cases range from simple object detection to working as a rotary encoder when paired with wheels featuring black and white stripes. The sensor detects variations efficiently enough to provide RPM readings.