GY-31 TCS230/TCS3200 Color Recognition Sensor Module

The GY-31 TCS230/TCS3200 Color Recognition Sensor Module is a precise and widely used color detection sensor designed for electronics, robotics, and automation projects. It is based on the TCS3200 programmable color light-to-frequency converter, which uses an array of photodiodes with red, green, blue, and clear filters to sense the intensity of different colors in an object.

When light from a surface strikes the sensor, it converts the reflected color into frequency signals that can be read by a microcontroller such as Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi. This enables accurate color detection and recognition for systems like sorting machines, line-following robots, color readers, and product inspection setups.

The module features four control pins (S0–S3) to select output frequency scaling, making it adaptable for various environmental lighting conditions. It’s an essential component for engineers, students, and hobbyists working on smart automation and optical sensing applications.

⚙️ Key Features:

✅ Accurate detection of red, green, and blue color intensity
✅ Uses TCS230/TCS3200 color-to-frequency converter IC
✅ Compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP8266, and ESP32
✅ Selectable output frequency scaling (100%, 20%, 2%)
✅ Onboard white LEDs for uniform illumination
✅ Easy connection through standard headers
✅ Ideal for color recognition, sorting, and detection systems

🔧 Technical Specifications:

• Sensor IC: TCS230/TCS3200

• Operating Voltage: 3V – 5V DC

• Output Signal: Square wave (frequency proportional to color intensity)

• Control Pins: S0, S1, S2, S3 (for sensitivity and scaling)

• Detection Range: Up to 10mm

• Onboard LEDs: 4× white illumination LEDs

• Dimensions: 31mm × 24mm

• Working Temperature: -40°C to +85°C

• Compatible Boards: Arduino, ESP32, STM32, Raspberry Pi

⚙️ Working Principle:

The TCS3200 sensor uses an array of photodiodes covered by RGB filters. Based on which filter is activated, the sensor measures the light intensity corresponding to red, green, or blue. The microcontroller calculates RGB values from these signals, allowing accurate color identification of any surface or object.

⚙️ Applications:

• Color sorting and object classification systems

• Line-following robots with color-coded paths

• Smart lighting and color-based control systems

• Color quality inspection in manufacturing

• DIY Arduino projects

• Educational electronics and optical experiments

⚠️ Precautions:

• Avoid exposing the sensor to direct sunlight or reflective glare.

• Ensure a stable power supply for accurate readings.

• Maintain a consistent distance between the sensor and the object for best results.

🎥 Tutorial & Resources:

📺 Watch this YouTube tutorial on GY-31 TCS3200 Color Sensor with Arduino to learn wiring, calibration, and code setup.

🔗 Internal Links:

• Explore more Sensors & Modules

• Shop Arduino Boards

• Discover Electronics Components for your projects

🧩 Product Summary:

The GY-31 TCS230/TCS3200 Color Sensor Module is a compact, reliable solution for RGB color recognition projects. Featuring high-accuracy photodiodes and onboard white LEDs, it delivers consistent results even in varying lighting conditions. Perfect for robotics, IoT devices, automation, and color detection experiments, this module is a must-have for any electronics enthusiast or developer.