Infrared Trace Sensor for Stable Line-Following Robot Detection The Infrared Trace Sensor is designed for line-following robots that need a stable digital reflection signal without repeated potentiometer adjustment. It uses an infrared emitter and receiver pair to detect reflected light from a nearby surface, making it suitable for black-white track detection, reflective mark reading, and compact robot chassis projects. After the reflected signal is processed by an inverter or Schmitt trigger circuit, the module outputs a digital signal that a microcontroller can read directly. It works with 3.3 V and 5 V systems and connects easily to an OpenELAB Sensor Shield V5 or Arduino-style digital input. Use it at a short working distance from the floor or target surface, since infrared reflection depends strongly on color, distance, ambient light, and material finish. Technical Specifications Parameter Value Sensor type Infrared reflection trace sensor Detection principle IR emitter and receiver pair Signal processing Inverter / Schmitt trigger digital output Output type Digital signal, commonly active-low on detection Operating voltage 3.3 V / 5 V Detection response distance 1 mm to 20 mm Connector 2.54 mm pitch 3-pin header Pinout GND, VCC, S Indicator Blue detection indicator LED Mounting Dual screw fixing Development support Arduino, ESP32, STM32, Raspberry Pi Pico digital input Board Layout & Label Guide IR emitter: Projects infrared light toward the track or reflective target. IR receiver: Receives reflected infrared light from the surface. G pin: Power ground connection. V pin: 3.3 V or 5 V power input. S pin: Digital output to a controller GPIO. Blue indicator: Lights when the processed detection condition is active. Mounting holes: Fix the sensor at a consistent height above the track. Application Scenarios 1. Line Detection for Robot Chassis Use Infrared Trace Sensor as a digital line sensor. The output is commonly active-low when a reflective target is detected, so the code prints line state for calibration. const int SENSOR_PIN = 2; void setup() { pinMode(SENSOR_PIN, INPUT); Serial.begin(115200); } void loop() { bool activeLow = digitalRead(SENSOR_PIN) == LOW; Serial.println(activeLow ? "line_or_reflection_detected" : "background"); delay(50); } 2. Two-Motor Line Following Logic A single sensor can be used for simple demonstrations, or duplicated left/right for a basic line-following robot. const int LEFT_SENSOR = 2; const int RIGHT_SENSOR = 3; const int LEFT_MOTOR = 5; const int RIGHT_MOTOR = 6; void setup() { pinMode(LEFT_SENSOR, INPUT); pinMode(RIGHT_SENSOR, INPUT); pinMode(LEFT_MOTOR, OUTPUT); pinMode(RIGHT_MOTOR, OUTPUT); } void loop() { bool left = digitalRead(LEFT_SENSOR) == LOW; bool right = digitalRead(RIGHT_SENSOR) == LOW; analogWrite(LEFT_MOTOR, right ? 180 : 90); analogWrite(RIGHT_MOTOR, left ? 180 : 90); } 3. Object or Mark Counter Count passing marks, slots, or reflective labels with a debounce interval to prevent repeated triggers. const int SENSOR_PIN = 2; unsigned long lastHit = 0; unsigned long count = 0; void setup() { pinMode(SENSOR_PIN, INPUT); Serial.begin(115200); } void loop() { bool detected = digitalRead(SENSOR_PIN) == LOW; if (detected && millis() - lastHit > 150) { count++; lastHit = millis(); Serial.println(count); } } Packing List 1 x Infrared Trace Sensor FAQ Q: Can this module work with Arduino?A: Yes. Connect VCC, GND, and the signal pin to an Arduino-compatible board or an OpenELAB Sensor Shield V5. Q: Can it work with 3.3 V controllers?A: Yes for the listed 3.3 V to 5 V modules, but keep analog output within the controller ADC range. Q: Is calibration required?A: For threshold or quantitative use, calibrate in the final installation and record baseline readings. Q: Can I use long wires?A: Shorter wires are better for analog stability; use averaging in firmware if readings fluctuate. Q: Does the module output precise engineering units?A: Most of these modules provide relative analog or digital signals, not certified measurement data. Q: What should I check first if it does not trigger?A: Verify power, ground, pin mapping, threshold setting, and whether the signal is active-high or active-low. Q: Is it suitable outdoors?A: Only with enclosure protection. Keep connectors and electronics away from water and corrosion. Q: Can it drive a relay or motor directly?A: No. Use the module as an input to a controller, then drive a suitable relay or motor driver.
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