Mini Photocell - LDR (Light Dependent Resistor)

Mini Photocell - LDR (Light Dependent Resistor)

A photocell changes (also called an LDR, photo detector, photo resistor, CdS or photo conductive cell) resistance depending on the amount of light it is exposed to. These little sensors make great ambient light triggers (ie when the light in the room turns on, do something).
In pitch-black conditions, the photocell’s resistance will be in the megaohm’s (1.0MΩ+) range. Shining a light on the sensor can drop the resistance to near-zero, but usually, the resistance of the photocell falls between 8-20kΩ when in normal lighting conditions.

Mini Photocell Specifications:

• Light Resistance: ~1k Ohm
• Dark Resistance: ~10k Ohm
• Max voltage: 150V
• Max power: 100mW
• Operating Temperature: -30 ~ +70 °C

Mini Photocell Dimensions:

• Body Length: 5.1mm (0.2")
• Body Width: 4.3mm (0.169")
• Body Depth: 2.4mm (0.095")
• Distance between pins (center to center): 3.4mm (0.134")
• Lead length: 31mm (1.22")

Mini Photocell Documents:

• GL5528 Datasheet
• We use this device in our super cool Night Light Kit
• Check out our Guide on getting an LDR connected to an Arduino