ColorPAL documentation

© Parallax, Inc. • ColorPAL (2009.06.15) Page 4 of 12
Feature or Capability ColorPAL TCS230-DB
Price
HHHHH HHH
Color detection accuracy with normal reflective subjects
HHHH HHHHH
Color detection accuracy with fluorescent (e.g. Day-Glo,
Astrobrite) reflective subjects
HH HHHHH
Color detection on very glossy surfaces
HHH HHHHH
Color detection of radiant subjects (e.g. LEDs, CRTs) Not possible
HHHHH
Color sensor output Serial I/O Frequency
Pins needed for interface (including +5V and ground) 3 6
Color detection resolution (per RGB component)
Up to 8 bits, using
onboard 10-bit ADC
8 bits or more,
limited only by
sample time
Compatibility with Parallax’s PC color-matching software
HHHHH HHHHH
Accurate color detection requires ambient light correction Automatic Yes
Accurate color detection requires white balance Yes Yes
Accurate color detection requires black balance Yes No
Color sensing averaged over spot diameter of: 0.47” (12mm) 0.14” (3.5mm)
Color generation
HHHHH
Not possible
On-board programmable sensing and generation sequences
HHHHH
None
Installation
The ColorPAL requires three connections: regulated +5V supply, ground, and open-collector serial data.
It can be plugged directly into a BOE, for example, like so:
Vdd
Vin
Vss
P15
P14
P13
P12
P11
P10
P9
P8
P7
P6
P5
P4
P3
P2
P1
P0
Using the Parallax “LCD” Extension Cable, it can also be plugged into a servo header:
Sig
+5V
Gnd
IMPORTANT: When connecting to a servo header on the BOE, make sure that the header is jumpered
for Vdd and not Vin!