SparkFun Line Follower Array

The SparkFun Line Follower Array is a sophisticated board featuring eight infrared sensors configured to read as digital bits. This remarkable array has been designed to follow a dark line approximately 1.9 cm in width or smaller on a light background. The board is equipped with upward-facing LEDs that allow you to visualize what the robot sees, an on-board brightness control, and an I²C interface for reading and power control. While the RedBot Shadow Chassis is a suitable test platform, this array can be an excellent addition to virtually any bot.

The Line Follower Array operates by taking an 8-bit reading of reflectance, useful for line following or reading dark/light patterns. It can detect from approximately 0.6 to 1.9 cm away. The infrared brightness control and indicator can be adjusted using the on-board potentiometer, providing a clear view of the strength of the infrared LEDs. The illumination can be controlled via software to save power, or left on for faster readings. The Line Follower Array requires 5V of power, with a supply current range of 25-185mA without strobing and 16-160mA with strobing. The array also features six mounting holes, two of which are designed to fit the Shadow Chassis, while the remaining four are general-purpose.

It should be noted that the Line Follower Array's effectiveness can be compromised in direct sunlight due to the sun's infrared light emissions. Therefore, it is recommended to plan your projects accordingly.

Key features of the SparkFun Line Follower Array include:

• Eight sensor eyes (QRE1113, similar to those in the line sensor breakout)
• I²C interface
• On-the-fly infrared brightness adjustment with a knob
• Software-controlled infrared and visual indicators
• Dark/light sight inversion with software
• Built on the SX1509 I/O expander

Relevant documents for the SparkFun Line Follower Array include its schematic, Eagle Files, a comprehensive Hookup Guide, the QRE1113GR datasheet, and its design files, library, and example code on GitHub. A product video is also available.