The TCS230 Color Recognition Sensor Module is an RGB color detection board designed to identify and measure the color of nearby objects using a programmable light-to-frequency sensor.

Featuring the TCS230 color sensor and four onboard white LEDs, the module measures reflected red, green, and blue light and converts the detected light intensity into a square-wave frequency output that can be processed by a microcontroller.

The sensor is suitable for Arduino, ESP32, STM32, and other compatible microcontroller platforms, making it useful for color-sorting robots, industrial automation, educational projects, and electronic color recognition systems.

Key Features

• RGB Color Detection: Measures red, green, and blue light components to help identify object colors.
• TCS230 Sensor Chip: Integrated programmable color light-to-frequency converter.
• Four White LEDs: Provide illumination for more consistent color measurements.
• Frequency Output: Converts detected light intensity into a digital square-wave signal.
• Selectable Color Filters: Allows the microcontroller to measure red, green, blue, and clear photodiode responses.
• Adjustable Output Frequency Scaling: Supports programmable frequency scaling.
• Microcontroller Interface: Connects through standard digital control and output pins.
• Compact PCB Design: Suitable for robotic and embedded applications.
• Short-Range Detection: Best performance at approximately 10mm, depending on the object and lighting conditions.

Technical Specifications

Pin Configuration

Check the markings on the supplied board, as some breakout versions expose different pin arrangements.

Frequency Scaling Configuration

Color Filter Selection

Arduino Connection Example

The Arduino selects each color filter and measures the output frequency to estimate the red, green, and blue components of the detected surface.

ESP32 Compatibility

The TCS230 can be used with an ESP32 development board using digital GPIO pins.

For ESP32 projects:

• Use a verified 3.3V-compatible supply configuration.
• Connect S0–S3 to suitable GPIO outputs.
• Connect OUT to a GPIO input capable of measuring pulses.
• Ensure that the output signal does not exceed 3.3V.
• Calibrate the sensor under consistent lighting conditions.

Applications

• Color-Sorting Robots
• RGB Color Recognition
• Industrial Color Detection
• Automated Sorting Systems
• Educational Robotics
• Arduino and ESP32 Projects
• Color-Based Object Identification
• Smart Manufacturing Prototypes
• Embedded Vision Alternatives
• DIY Electronics Projects

Important Notes

• The TCS230 measures light intensity through selectable color filters; it does not directly output a color name.
• Software processing and calibration are required to identify colors accurately.
• Detection performance depends on distance, ambient lighting, surface texture, and reflectivity.
• The four onboard LEDs help illuminate the target surface.
• Maintain a consistent distance between the sensor and object for better measurement repeatability.
• The output is a frequency signal, not an analog RGB voltage.
• When using ESP32 or Raspberry Pi, ensure all GPIO input signals remain within their supported voltage levels.
• This sensor is intended for close-range color recognition, not long-distance object detection.

Package Includes

• 1 × TCS230 RGB Color Recognition Sensor Module with 4 White LEDs