Adafruit
Adafruit VEML7700 Lux Sensor - I2C Light Sensor
The Adafruit VEML7700 is a high-accuracy ambient light sensor from Vishay that outputs calibrated lux values over I2C. Unlike basic light sensors that return...
The Adafruit VEML7700 is a high-accuracy ambient light sensor from Vishay that outputs calibrated lux values over I2C. Unlike basic light sensors that return unitless brightness readings, the VEML7700 calculates lux (an SI unit), giving you consistent and comparable measurements across multiple sensors.
With a 16-bit dynamic range covering 0 to approximately 120,000 lux and resolution down to 0.0036 lx/ct, this sensor handles everything from dim indoor lighting to bright sunlight. Software-adjustable gain and integration times let you optimise for your specific lighting conditions.
Key Features
- Calibrated Lux Output – Direct lux readings in SI units for consistent measurements
- 16-Bit Dynamic Range – 0 to ~120,000 lux with 0.0036 lx/ct resolution
- Adjustable Gain & Integration Time – Software-configurable for different lighting conditions
- I2C Interface – Simple two-wire communication
- 3.3V and 5V Compatible – On-board 3.3V regulator and logic level shifter
- Compact Breakout – Small PCB with all support circuitry
Ideal For
- Automatic display brightness adjustment
- Weather stations and environmental monitoring
- Smart lighting and home automation
- Agricultural and greenhouse light measurement
- Photography and studio light metering
Package Contents
- 1× Adafruit VEML7700 Lux Sensor Breakout (assembled and tested)
- 1× Header strip (requires soldering)
Resources
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- 3.3V regulator
- A 3.3V regulator is a power circuit that provides a steady 3.3 volts for parts that need that supply voltage. On a breakout board, it can let the sensor run safely even when the connected microcontroller or power source uses a higher voltage.
- 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.
- dynamic range
- Dynamic range describes how wide a span of values a sensor can measure, from very low to very high. For a light sensor, a wide dynamic range means it can work in dim indoor settings as well as bright sunlight without changing hardware.
- 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.
- 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.
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Sensors & Input
Related Tutorials
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