Adafruit
VCNL4200 Long Distance IR Proximity & Light Sensor Breakout
· MPN: ADA6064
Need approximate distance sensing over tens of centimetres to around a metre, plus ambient light measurement from the same board? This breakout carries Visha...
Need approximate distance sensing over tens of centimetres to around a metre, plus ambient light measurement from the same board? This breakout carries Vishay’s VCNL4200, a two-in-one IR proximity and ambient light sensor suited to robotics, motion detection and object sensing projects.
The proximity sensor is specified up to 1.5 m, though real-world range depends on lighting and configuration; Adafruit notes 50–100 cm is a good range to expect, with less accuracy and precision at longer distances. The ambient light sensor covers 0.003 to 1570 lux, giving you a useful light reading alongside proximity data.
Adafruit has added support circuitry for use with 3.3V logic such as Feather or Raspberry Pi, or 5V logic such as Arduino/Metro 328. It communicates over I2C, with breadboard-friendly pins plus SparkFun Qwiic-compatible STEMMA QT connectors so you can plug in without soldering when using a suitable cable.
You can tune integration time for light and proximity sensing, IR LED power, duty cycle, multi-pulse and sunlight immunity, and use interrupt output thresholds. CircuitPython/Python and Arduino drivers are available for getting started; a QT cable is not included.
Specifications:
- Proximity function: Immunity to red glow (940 nm IRED)
- Proximity function: Intelligent background light cancellation
- Proximity function: Smart persistence scheme to reduce PS response time
- Proximity distance: up to 1.5 m
- Ambient light function: Fluorescent light flicker immunity
- Ambient light function: Spectrum close to real human eye responses
- Selectable maximum detection range: (197 / 393 / 786 / 1573) lux with highest sensitivity 0.003 lux/step
- Interrupt: Programmable interrupt function for ALS and PS with upper and lower thresholds
- Interrupt: Adjustable persistence to prevent false triggers for ALS and PS
- Product Dimensions: 25.6mm x 17.7mm x 4.8mm / 1.0" x 0.7" x 0.2"
- Product Weight: 1.9g / 0.1oz
Great for maker projects that need simple I2C proximity detection with a bonus ambient light reading, especially when paired with Arduino, CircuitPython or Raspberry Pi.
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- 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.
- CircuitPython
- A beginner-friendly version of Python designed to run directly on microcontroller boards. If a product supports CircuitPython, you can often program it by copying code files onto the board rather than setting up a more complex toolchain.
- duty cycle
- The fraction of time a signal or light source is switched on during a repeating cycle. On a proximity sensor, changing the duty cycle can affect detection range, response speed, accuracy and power use.
- 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.
- integration time
- Integration time is how long the sensor collects light for each measurement. Longer times can improve readings in dim light, while shorter times can respond faster or avoid saturation in bright light.
- LED
- A light-emitting diode is a small electronic component that lights up when current flows through it in the correct direction. In this kit, LEDs create the flashing effect, so polarity and correct soldering matter for the project to work.
- 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.
- Motion detection
- A camera feature that checks the image for changes that suggest something has moved. It matters because your project can use movement as a trigger instead of constantly saving or processing every frame.
- 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 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.
- Torque
- A twisting force that causes something to rotate, usually measured in newton-metres or kilogram-centimetres. It matters when choosing motors, servos, gears, and tools because higher torque is needed to lift heavier loads, turn larger wheels, or move mechanisms without stalling.
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