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TCS34725 RGB Color Sensor: Precision Color Detection for IoT & Embedded Systems

The TCS34725 is a high-precision digital RGB color sensor perfect for IoT, smart devices, and embedded applications that need reliable color detection. It integrates red, green, and blue filters with a 16-bit ADC for each channel, providing accurate color measurement in reflected or transmitted light.

With built-in IR suppression, I²C communication, and configurable gain and sampling time, this sensor is developer-friendly and ideal for projects where color accuracy and low power consumption matter.

Key Features

Operating Voltage: 3.3V / 5V

Interface: I²C (up to 400 kHz)

Current Consumption: ~65 μA (typical)

Resolution: 16-bit ADC per color channel (R, G, B, Clear)

Detection Range: 3 mm – 10 mm

Gain Levels: 1× / 4× / 16× / 60×

Sampling Time: 2.4 ms – 614.4 ms (configurable)

Special Function: IR suppression + interrupt with thresholds

Size: 20.5 mm × 20.5 mm

Temperature Range: −40 °C to 85 °C

Applications for Developers

Smart IoT color detection (light, object, or environment)

Color-aware robotics and line-following systems

DIY embedded projects using Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi

Smart lighting and adaptive display calibration

Industrial automation for color sorting or quality control

🧩 Arduino Integration Example

Easily connect via I²C:

include

include "Adafruit_TCS34725.h"

Adafruit_TCS34725 tcs = Adafruit_TCS34725(TCS34725_INTEGRATIONTIME_700MS, TCS34725_GAIN_1X);

void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
if (tcs.begin()) {
Serial.println("TCS34725 sensor detected!");
} else {
Serial.println("No TCS34725 found ... check connections.");
}
}

void loop() {
uint16_t r, g, b, c;
tcs.getRawData(&r, &g, &b, &c);
Serial.print("R: "); Serial.print(r);
Serial.print(" G: "); Serial.print(g);
Serial.print(" B: "); Serial.println(b);
delay(1000);
}

How would you integrate the TCS34725 into your next IoT or robotics project?
Share your ideas, sample code, or applications below

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