This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Automation and Control - Sensors, Transducers - Industrial Color Sensors category on DigiKey.com
Industrial 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. These are made for use in an industrial setting.
SelectionCharacteristics
Specifications to determine which Industrial color sensor is right for your application.
Output: Indicates the type of electrical signal the device provides, such as voltage or PNP.
Available Output Types
Frequency
Output frequency is dependent on the intensity of the light received by the device.
NPN
When the device is activated, the negative supply rail is connected to the output. These are frequently referred to as sinking outputs.
NPN, PNP
Typically these devices can be configured to output a PNP or an NPN signal.
PNP
When the device is activated, the positive supply rail is connected to the output. These are frequently referred to as sourcing outputs.
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 # | R58BPCRGB1Q |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 2170-R58BPCRGB1Q-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Banner Engineering Corporation |
| DESCRIPTION | R58B EXPERT REGISTER MARK SENSOR |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | 207787 |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 4252-207787-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | di-soric |
| DESCRIPTION | FSB 50 M G3-B8 |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | O5C500 |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 2330-O5C500-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | ifm efector, inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | COLOUR SENSOR; RED LIGHT,GREEN L |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | ZIO-101936 |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 3099-ZIO-101936-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Smart Prototyping |
| DESCRIPTION | ZIO QWIIC RGB SENSOR TCS34725 |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
MediaLinks
Videos
Color Sensor Candy Sorter – Another Geek Moment
Color Sensor | Fluid Conditioning
Color Sensor Videos
Articles
Color Sensor Articles
Product Training Modules
Product Training Modules on Color Sensors
TechForum
Color Sensor Pmod Controller (VHDL)
TechForum posts on Color Sensors