This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Automation and Control - Sensors, Transducers - Color Sensors category on DigiKey.com
Color Sensors use multiple photodiodes in a single package to detect the intensity and frequency of ambient light. Onboard ASICs (Application Specific Circuits) convert the information to analog or digital output signals. The photodiodes are designed to detect specific colors such as RGB (red, green and blue), CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow and black), and white as well as infrared light.
SelectionCharacteristics
Specifications to determine which color sensor is right for your application.
Output: The type of output signal produced by the device such as voltage or I2C.
Available Output Types
Current, RGB
Outputs a separate current signal for each color red, green, and blue. The amount of current varies based on the intensity of the light received by the device.
Frequency
Output frequency is dependent on the intensity of the light received by the device.
I2C
Outputs a signal compatible with I2C interface protocols, enabling it to communicate with other I2C enabled devices.
I2C, UART
Outputs signals compatible with I2C and UART interface protocols, enabling it to communicate with other devices using either of these interfaces.
SMBus
Outputs a signal compatible with System Management Bus (SMBus) communication systems.
Voltage, RGB
Outputs a separate voltage signal for each color red, green, and blue. The amount of voltage varies based on the intensity of the light received by the device.
Voltage, XYZ
Outputs a separate voltage signal for each aspect point on the CIE 1931 color space. The amount of voltage varies with the intensity of the light received by the device.
Resolution (Bits): Typically listed as a number of bits, this is the degree of change that can be detected by the device, or the ratio of the maximum signal to the smallest detectable change.
Features: These are different capabilities or properties of the device such as gain control or sleep mode.
Available Features
Auto Power Down
Allows it to be automatically powered down when certain criteria are met.
Gain Control
The signal gain created by the internal amplifiers is controllable by the user.
Interrupt
Includes an interrupt pin so that the microcontroller has to request data from the device less. This frees up the microprocessor for other functions and can reduce overall power consumption of the system.
Low Power Consumption
Consumes a small amount of wattage while in use.
Programmable Resolution
The resolution of the internal analog to digital converter is programmable by the user.
Proximity Detection
The device can provide proximity of objects when coupled with an infrared LED.
Sleep Mode
The device can enter a low power mode when certain criteria are met. This reduces overall power consumption of the device.
Standby
The device can enter a low power mode when certain criteria are met. This reduces the overall power consumption of the device.
Sync Input
Allows the device to be synchronized to a pulsating light source at the input by the end user.
Voltage - Supply: Typically represented by a range, this indicates the low and high voltage limits which one can expect standard operation. Voltages outside this range may damage the device and other system components.
Current - Supply (Max): This represents the maximum current to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this current may damage the device and/or other system components.
Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.
Package / Case: Indicates the type of protective case used on an electronic component to allow easy handling, installation, and protection. This selection was determined to be the closest industry standard applicable to the suppliers device packaging. Typically it is best to check the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than depend on this terminology when designing your circuit.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | VEML6040A3OG |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | VEML6040A3OGTR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division |
| DESCRIPTION | Color Sensor 16 b Low Power Consumption 4-TFLGA |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | AS7341-DLGM |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | AS7341-DLGMTR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | ams |
| DESCRIPTION | Color Sensor 16 b 8-TFLGA |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | APS5130PD7C-P22 |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 754-2215-2-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Kingbright |
| DESCRIPTION | Color Sensor 4-SMD, No Lead |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | EACLSST3227A1 |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 1080-EACLSST3227A1TR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Everlight Electronics Co Ltd |
| DESCRIPTION | Color Sensor 1210 (3225 Metric) |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | BH1749NUC-E2 |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | BH1749NUC-E2TR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Rohm Semiconductor |
| DESCRIPTION | Color Sensor 16 b 8-UFDFN Exposed Pad |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
MediaLinks
Videos
Color Sensor Videos
Articles
Color Sensor Articles
Product Training Modules
VEML6040 RGB Digital Sensor - Vishay
TechForum
TechForum posts on Color Sensors