Adafruit
Adafruit VL53L1X Time of Flight Distance Sensor - ~30 to 4000mm
The Adafruit VL53L1X (also known as VL53L1CX) is a next-generation Time-of-Flight (ToF) distance sensor from ST with an impressive 4-metre range and LIDAR-li...
The Adafruit VL53L1X (also known as VL53L1CX) is a next-generation Time-of-Flight (ToF) distance sensor from ST with an impressive 4-metre range and LIDAR-like precision. Using an invisible laser and matching sensor, it measures how long light takes to bounce back for accurate, reliable distance readings from approximately 30 to 4000 mm at up to 50 Hz.
The narrow laser beam focuses on the surface directly ahead, avoiding the wide sensing cone of ultrasonic sensors and the linearity issues of IR reflectance sensors. The breakout includes a 2.8V regulator, level shifting, and two STEMMA QT / Qwiic connectors for solderless I2C wiring.
Key Features
- 4-Metre Range – Measures ~30 to 4000 mm with LIDAR-like precision
- Up to 50 Hz Update Rate – Fast readings for responsive applications
- Narrow Sensing Cone – Focused invisible laser measures only the surface directly ahead
- I2C Interface – Based on ST's VL53L1X API with Adafruit Arduino and CircuitPython/Python libraries
- STEMMA QT / Qwiic Connectors – Two connectors for solderless plug-and-play I2C
- 3–5V Compatible – On-board 2.8V regulator and level shifting
Compared To Other ToF Sensors
- vs VL53L0X – The VL53L0X measures ~50–1200 mm; the VL53L1X extends the range to 4000 mm with faster update rates
Ideal For
- Robotics obstacle detection and navigation
- Room occupancy and people counting
- Drone altitude and collision avoidance
- Level measurement and fill detection
- Interactive installations and displays
Package Contents
- 1× Adafruit VL53L1X ToF Distance Sensor Breakout (assembled and tested)
Resources
- Adafruit VL53L1X Tutorial – Wiring, Arduino and CircuitPython/Python code
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- API
- An API is a software interface that lets a program control hardware or features provided by the operating system. In this product, API support matters if you want your software to adjust display settings such as brightness or contrast automatically.
- 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.
- 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.
- LiDAR
- A sensing method that uses laser light to measure distance and build a 3D picture of the surroundings. It matters for robotics and autonomous systems because LiDAR data can help with mapping, navigation and obstacle detection.
- 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.
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Related Tutorials
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