LilyPad Light Sensor-TEMT6000

SKU: FA1033-1
Sensor Chip

Vishay TEMT6000 Ambient Light Sensor
Sensor Type

NPN Silicon Phototransistor
Output Type

Analog Voltage (proportional to light intensity)
Operating Voltage

3V – 5V DC
Peak Sensitivity Wavelength

Approx. 570 nm
Output Range (Typical)

0V (darkness) to ~3V (bright light, at 3.3V source)
Dimensions

Approx. 13mm (0.5") diameter
Connections

3 Sew Tabs (+, -, S)
LilyPad Light Sensor – TEMT6000

The LilyPad Light Sensor utilizes the highly sensitive TEMT6000 ambient light sensor to provide a simple, effective way to add light-sensing capabilities to your e-textile projects. This small, sewable board is designed to seamlessly integrate with any LilyPad-compatible microcontroller (like the LilyPad USB or LilyPad ATmega328P) using conductive thread.
The sensor is sensitive to visible light, much like the human eye, making it suitable for applications where ambient light levels need to be monitored or reacted to. It’s an excellent component for fashion designers, artists, and engineers working on interactive, light-aware clothing and wearable technology projects.
Description
Add an interactive element to your fabric projects with the LilyPad Light Sensor. This tiny, circular board incorporates the TEMT6000 sensor, a NPN silicon phototransistor that is highly sensitive to ambient visible light. It mimics the spectral sensitivity of the human eye, providing a very natural response to typical indoor and outdoor lighting conditions.
The design adheres strictly to the LilyPad philosophy: it is lightweight, features a flat back profile to sit comfortably against fabric, and replaces traditional header pins with large, flat “sew tabs.” These tabs are specifically engineered to make secure connections using conductive thread, turning stitching into power and signal lines.
Connecting this analog sensor is straightforward: one tab for power (+), one for ground (−), and one for the signal (𝑆). The sensor output is an analog voltage that changes proportionally to the intensity of the light it detects. When light hits the sensor, it pulls the signal pin higher toward the source voltage, which the Arduino board can read as a value between 0 and 1023.
This durable, low-power sensor is hand-washable (provided all power is removed) and robust enough for development purposes, making it an essential component for creating dynamic smart garments, interactive costumes, or responsive textile art installations.
Features
  • Ambient Light Detection: Uses the TEMT6000 sensor, optimized for visible light sensitivity similar to the human eye.
  • Analog Output: Provides a simple, variable analog voltage output that is easy to read with any standard microcontroller analog input pin.
  • Wearable Form Factor: Small, circular design perfect for integration into e-textiles projects.
  • Sewable Connections: Features large “sew tabs” for easy, durable connections using conductive thread.
  • Low Power Consumption: Efficient design suitable for battery-powered wearable applications.
  • Durable: Hand-washable design for practical use in clothing (remove power supply before washing).
  • Clear Labeling: Tabs are clearly labeled with ‘+’, ‘-‘, and ‘S’ for easy wiring.
Usage
The LilyPad Light Sensor is used to enable light-aware behavior in wearable technology and e-textile projects:
  1. Interactive Costumes: Make LEDs on a costume glow brighter when in a dark room (like a theater) and dim when in bright daylight.
  2. Smart Accessories: Create bags or backpacks that automatically turn on internal lights when opened in dim conditions.
  3. Data Logging: Build a wearable weather station that tracks ambient light levels throughout the day and records data onto a LilyPad data logger shield.
  4. Art Installations: Create textile art pieces that change their appearance or interaction based on the surrounding gallery lighting.

Q: Is this a digital or analog sensor?

This is an analog sensor. It provides a continuous range of voltage outputs that correspond directly to the intensity of light detected. You will read its value using an analog input pin on your Arduino/LilyPad board.

Q: Do I need a resistor with this sensor?

No, the LilyPad board integrates any necessary pull-up or load resistors directly onto the small PCB itself. You simply connect the three tabs (+, -, S) directly to your LilyPad microcontroller.

Q: How sensitive is this sensor? Can it measure candlelight or moonlight?

The TEMT6000 is highly sensitive to general ambient visible light and can typically detect dim indoor lighting effectively. It is designed to work well across a wide spectrum of light levels commonly encountered by humans. It may struggle with extremely low light levels like faint moonlight, but it excels in standard room lighting and bright sunlight.

Q: Can I use regular wires with this, or must I use conductive thread?

While you can solder thin wires to the tabs, the board’s design, size, and flatness are optimized for integration into fabric using conductive thread. Using wires might create bulk or risk damaging the small pads.

Q: Is the sensor washable?

The sensor board itself is designed to be hand-washable as part of a textile project. The entire project must be hand-washed only, with all batteries removed, and allowed to air dry completely before power is reapplied. Machine washing is not recommended.

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