RGB Color Sensor from Adafruit

RGB sensors are used to specifically detect the color of visible light. It provides a digital return of R, G, and B, and clear light sensing values.

Technical Description

RGB sensors consist of a color sensing photodiode whose resistance changes with lights of different spectrum. Some of these sensors are equipped with IR filter to minimize the IR component and therefore allows color measurements to be more accurate.

Limitation

There is no common limitation, but you need to be careful about the appropriate operating conditions for each device.

Skill

Competent

Sample Sensor

RGB Color Sensor with IR filter and White LED https://www.adafruit.com/product/1334.

Sparkfun RGB Light Sensor https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12829.

Sparkfun RGB and Gesture Sensor https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12787.

Sample Exercise

https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-color-sensors.

Analog UV Light Sensor from Adafruit

UV sensors, as indicated by the name, are used to detect UV light and measure UV index.

Technical Description

Similar to the other light sensors, the essential component of the UV sensor is a photodiode, in this case a UV photodiode, which can sense the spectrum range of UVA and UVB. The analog signal of the output voltage indicate the UV index.

Some other UV sensors, however, are not “true” UV sensors but rather work by sensing the visible light and IR from the sun and then calculating the UV index. You may find a sample sensor below.

Limitation

The spectrum range a sensor is able to measure with accuracy may vary among different sensors. Select the device based on your need.

Skill

Competent

Sample Sensors

Analog UV Light Sensor Breakout https://www.adafruit.com/product/1918.

Sparkfun UV Light Sensor Breakout https://www.sparkfun.com/products/15089.

S1145 DIgital UV Index  / IR / Visible Light Sensor https://www.adafruit.com/product/1777.