The ColorPAL is a miniature colour and light sensor which, through its RGB LED, doubles as a colour generator. For sensing colour, the ColorPAL uses its LED to illuminate a sample, one colour component at a time, along with a broad-spectrum light-to-voltage converter to measure the light reflected back. The amount of light reflected from the sample under illumination from each red, green, and blue LED can be used to determine the sample’s colour.

Detects a full range of colours, and outputs data as RGB (Red/Green/Blue) components
Detects broad-spectrum ambient light with sensitivity down to 44uW/cm² per lsb
Generates 24-bit colour using RGB LED
Plugs into servo headers (with optional cable) or wireless breadboards
Single-pin interface uses a simple serial protocol to define and initiate colour detection and generation
Colour detection and generation details handled by onboard microcontroller
EEPROM for saving custom colour detection and generation programs
Autorun feature permits running a pre-designated EEPROM program with only a power supply
Power requirement: 5.0Vdc
Communication: Serial 1-Wire (asynchronous serial, open drain)
Dimensions: 44 x 23 x 17mm

Parallax offer an extensive range of sensor, communication and interface modules for the experimenter working on robotic systems. Most are supplied with extensive documentation making them ideal for use in education. Further information and tutorials are available from the Parallax website: http://learn.parallax.com/