MCS3AT/BT 3-element colour sensor is a kind of optical sensor, which is made of 3 Si-PIN photo diodes integrated on chip. It has dielectric filters for the three colour ranges: red, green and blue, and is widely used in quality control, monitoring the production, control of manufacturing and detection of colour marks.
The MCS3AT/BT is a 3‑element colour sensor built from Si‑PIN photodiodes arranged in a 2 mm diameter ring. Each diode is equipped with a dielectric filter for red, green or blue, delivering high transmission, temperature stability and reduced crosstalk.
The document lists maximum ratings such as a reverse voltage up to 3.5 V, dark current below 100 pA, and operating temperature from 0 °C to +70 °C. It also includes a pin‑out diagram (three anodes and a common cathode), package dimensions, and an application circuit for converting photocurrent to voltage.
| Diameter of light sensitivity area | 2.0 mm |
|---|---|
| Light sensitivity area per element | 0.85 mm² |
| Reverse voltage (typical) | 2.5 V |
| Maximum reverse voltage | 3.5 V |
| Dark current (V=5 V) | <100 pA |
| Terminal capacitance (V=5 V) | 50 pF |
| Rise/fall time of photocurrent | <1 µs |
| Crosstalk | 1 % |
| Operating temperature range | 0 °C … +70 °C |
| Storage temperature range | -20 °C … +80 °C |
The sensor has three anodes (A1 red, A2 blue, A3 green) and a common cathode.
An IR‑blocking filter with a cutoff above 720 nm is recommended.
Each diode can tolerate up to 3.5 V reverse voltage (typical 2.5 V).