Product description
Advanced multispectral light and color sensor from Adafruit with 14 measurement channels. The module is based on the ams OSRAM TCS3448 and can measure both light intensity and the spectral composition of light. Unlike conventional RGB color sensors, the TCS3448 can analyze light across several separate wavelength ranges, providing significantly more detailed information about the color composition of light.
The sensor contains 25 photodiodes that together detect light across 11 partially overlapping wavelength bands in the visible spectrum, from approximately 380 to 800 nm. In addition, there is a channel for near-infrared light (NIR), a broadband channel for light intensity (Clear), and a channel for detecting light flicker at frequencies up to 1 kHz.
The spectral measurement capabilities make the module suitable for applications such as LED lighting analysis, color identification, reflected light measurement, and investigation of the spectral characteristics of different light sources. The sensor can be used as a compact alternative to simpler spectrometers in applications where measurements within a limited number of wavelength bands are sufficient.
The TCS3448 uses six independent 16-bit A/D converters to digitize the signals from the photodiodes. An internal multiplexer (SMUX) allows the different measurement channels to be connected to the A/D converters. The sensor also features programmable GPIO and interrupt signals, as well as an integrated LED driver for controlling an external light source.
The TCS3448 is an evolution of the AS7343, featuring updated optical filters and improved sensitivity in certain wavelength ranges, particularly violet, blue, and deep red light. Compared to the AS7341, the TCS3448 has four additional measurement channels. Note that the TCS3448 is not directly software-compatible with these sensors and uses a different I2C address, among other differences.
The module features built-in level shifting and can be connected to microcontrollers with 3.3 V or 5 V logic levels. The two Qwiic-compatible connectors make it easy to connect the sensor to Arduino, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi without soldering. Adafruit provides software libraries and examples for Arduino and CircuitPython.
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Adafruit
- Product number: 6525
- Sensor IC: ams OSRAM TCS3448
- Sensor type: Multispectral light and color sensor
- Number of measurement channels: 14
- Visible spectral channels: 11
- Wavelength range, visible light: Approximately 380–800 nm
- NIR channel: Center wavelength approximately 855 nm, sensitivity up to 1000 nm
- Broadband channel: Clear
- Flicker detection: Up to 1 kHz
- Photodiodes: 25 pcs
- A/D converters: 6 pcs, 16-bit
- Optical filters: Interference filters
- Field of view (FOV): ±40°
- Interface: I2C
- I2C address: 0x59
- Logic levels: 3.3 V and 5 V
- Other features: Programmable GPIO, interrupt signal, and LED driver
- Connection: 2x Qwiic and solderable pin header
- Sensor package: 3.1 x 2 x 1 mm
- Dimensions: 25.3 x 17.7 x 4.7 mm
- Supplied with: Pin header (not pre-soldered)