Adafruit
VCNL4020 Proximity & Light Sensor Breakout - STEMMA QT/Qwiic
· MPN: ADA5810
This breakout combines Vishay's VCNL4020 proximity sensor and ambient light sensor on one compact I2C board, making it a handy choice when you want to detect...
This breakout combines Vishay's VCNL4020 proximity sensor and ambient light sensor on one compact I2C board, making it a handy choice when you want to detect nearby objects and measure light levels at the same time. The proximity sensor works from 0 to 200mm (about 7.5 inches), while the light sensor covers a wide range up to 16,000 lux.
Adafruit has mounted the sensor on a breakout PCB with the support circuitry needed for both 3.3V and 5V logic systems, so it fits in neatly with Feather, Raspberry Pi, Arduino and similar platforms. Because it uses I2C, wiring is simple, and the onboard STEMMA QT connectors are also compatible with SparkFun qwiic systems for quick solder-free connections.
The source notes that you can use Adafruit's Arduino drivers to get up and running quickly. It also mentions adjustable sample rate and built-in averaging filters to help smooth out noisier readings. If you're replacing a similar VCNL4xxx part, keep in mind that these sensors are not firmware-compatible drop-in swaps, so you'll need the correct library and code build for the VCNL4020.
Features:
- 2-in-1 sensing: Combines proximity sensing and ambient light sensing on one board.
- I2C interface: Communicates over I2C with just two signal wires, plus power and ground.
- STEMMA QT / qwiic connectivity: Includes SparkFun qwiic compatible STEMMA QT connectors for solder-free hookup.
- Logic level support: Designed to work with 3.3V and 5V logic levels.
- Adjustable sampling: Sample rate can be tweaked to trade off speed against low-light performance.
- Averaging filters: Includes filtering options to help reduce spiky results.
- Arduino library support: Works with Adafruit Arduino drivers for easier interfacing.
Specifications:
- Proximity range: 0 to 200mm (about 7.5 inches)
- Light sensor range: 0.26 to 16,000 lux
- Logic level compatibility: 3.3V (Feather/Raspberry Pi) or 5V (Arduino/ Metro328)
- Light level reports: 16-bit
- Light resolution: 0.25 lux per bit
- Product Dimensions: 25.3mm x 17.8mm x 4.6mm / 1.0" x 0.7" x 0.2"
- Product Weight: 1.7g / 0.1oz
A QT cable is not included, so you'll need to add a compatible STEMMA QT or qwiic lead if you want plug-and-play wiring. This board suits small robotics, touch-free triggering, occupancy sensing, and light-aware projects.
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- 3.3V and 5V logic levels
- Logic level refers to the voltage a board uses to represent digital on and off signals. Support for both 3.3V and 5V logic means this breakout can connect more easily to common microcontrollers and single-board computers without extra level-shifting hardware.
- 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.
- breakout
- A breakout is a small circuit board that makes a tiny or hard-to-solder component easier to connect to with standard pins. It matters because this OLED module can be wired into a microcontroller project without needing to solder directly to the display’s fine contacts.
- I2C
- I2C is a two-wire communication bus used by many sensors and small modules. It matters because several I2C devices can share the same two wires, but each device needs a compatible address and your controller must support I2C.
- lux
- Lux is the standard unit for measuring how much light falls on a surface, similar to how a light meter reports brightness. A sensor that outputs lux gives readings that are easier to compare between rooms, outdoor conditions, and different projects.
- PCB
- A printed circuit board is a rigid board with copper tracks that connect electronic parts without loose wires. For this kit, the PCBs also form the airplane shape, so they are both the circuit base and part of the finished model.
- Proximity sensor
- A sensor that detects when an object is nearby without needing physical contact. For this product it matters because the useful detection range is short, up to about 200 mm, so it suits touch-free triggers and close object detection rather than long-distance measuring.
- Qwiic
- Qwiic is a plug-in connector system for I2C devices that uses small 4-pin cables, so you can connect compatible sensors without soldering. It matters because your controller or adapter also needs Qwiic, or you will need a cable or breakout to wire it up.
- STEMMA
- A plug-and-cable connection system used on some maker electronics boards to make wiring simpler. If a product uses STEMMA, you need the matching cable or connector type to plug it in without soldering.
- STEMMA QT
- A small plug-in connector system for I2C boards that lets you connect compatible sensors and controllers without soldering. It matters because it can make wiring faster and less error-prone, especially when adding several small modules to a project.
- VCNL4020
- A Vishay sensor chip that combines short-range proximity sensing with ambient light measurement. The exact part number matters because similar VCNL4xxx sensors may need different software libraries and are not always drop-in replacements.
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Sensors & Input
VCNL4020 Datasheet
Datasheet · 232.4 KB · Click any page to view full size
