SparkFun
Ambient Light Sensor - TEMT6000x01
The TEMT6000x01 is a compact ambient light sensor that operates as an NPN phototransistor. The more light that hits the sensor, the stronger the base bias, p...
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The TEMT6000x01 is a compact ambient light sensor that operates as an NPN phototransistor. The more light that hits the sensor, the stronger the base bias, producing an analog output proportional to the ambient light level. Its spectral response is closely matched to the human eye, making it ideal for visible light detection.
Simple to use with just an analog input — connect to any microcontroller's ADC pin to get a light level reading. No special libraries or digital protocols required.
Key Features
- Analog Output – Simple connection to any ADC pin, no libraries needed
- NPN Phototransistor – Output current proportional to ambient light intensity
- Human Eye Response – Spectral sensitivity matched to visible light perception
- Compact Package – Small surface-mount form factor
Specifications
- Sensor Type – NPN phototransistor
- Part Number – TEMT6000x01
- Output – Analog (current proportional to light)
- Spectral Response – Visible light, matched to human eye
Ideal For
- Ambient light level detection
- Automatic display brightness adjustment
- Light-triggered projects and automation
- Arduino and microcontroller prototyping
Package Contents
- 1× TEMT6000x01 Ambient Light Sensor
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- ADC
- An analogue-to-digital converter reads a changing voltage and turns it into a number the microcontroller can use. It matters when connecting analogue sensors such as light, sound, or variable-resistor sensors.
- Ambient light sensor
- A sensor that measures the general brightness of light falling on it, similar to how a device can adjust screen brightness automatically. It matters when you want a project to react to room lighting, daylight, shadows, or covered/uncovered conditions.
- microcontroller
- A microcontroller is a small computer on a single chip that runs a stored program and controls connected inputs and outputs such as buttons, sensors, displays and communication interfaces. In a device built around one, it is the part that executes the code and coordinates the device's behaviour.
- phototransistor
- A light-sensitive transistor that changes its electrical output when light hits it. Compared with a modulated IR receiver, a simple phototransistor can be more affected by ambient light, so it may need extra filtering or careful setup.
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TEMT6000 Ambient Light Sensor Datasheet
Datasheet · 146.4 KB · Click any page to view full size
Supplier page — sparkfun.com
Supplier Description · 285.1 KB · Click any page to view full size
Related Tutorials
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