{"title":"Adafruit VL6180X Time of Flight Distance Ranging Sensor (VL6180)","handle":"adafruit-vl6180x-time-of-flight-distance-ranging-sensor-vl6180","url":"/products/adafruit-vl6180x-time-of-flight-distance-ranging-sensor-vl6180","description":"The Adafruit VL6180X is a close-range Time-of-Flight (ToF) distance sensor from ST that measures from approximately 5 mm to 100 mm (up to 150–200 mm in good conditions). It also includes a built-in ambient light sensor (lux), making it a versatile two-in-one module for proximity and light measurement.\n\nUsing an invisible laser and matching sensor, the VL6180X precisely times how long light takes to bounce back — delivering accurate readings without the linearity issues of IR reflectance sensors or the wide cone of ultrasonic sensors. The breakout includes a 2.8V regulator and level shifting for 3–5V compatibility.\n\nKey Features\n\n\nClose-Range ToF Sensing – ~5 to 100 mm range (up to 150–200 mm in ideal conditions)\n\nBuilt-in Lux Sensor – Ambient light measurement included alongside distance sensing\n\nNarrow Sensing Cone – Focused invisible laser measures only the surface directly ahead\n\nI2C Interface – Simple two-wire communication; most processing handled on-chip\n\n3–5V Compatible – On-board 2.8V regulator and level shifting\n\nCompact Breakout – Small PCB suitable for robotics and interactive projects\n\n\nCompared To Other ToF Sensors\n\n\nvs VL53L0X – The VL53L0X covers ~50–1200 mm for longer-range needs but lacks the lux sensor\n\nvs VL53L4CD – The VL53L4CD covers ~1–1300 mm, combining close and medium range without a lux sensor\n\n\nIdeal For\n\nClose-range proximity detection (gesture sensing, paper detection)\nRobotics obstacle detection at short distances\nCombined distance and ambient light sensing\nInteractive installations and touch-free interfaces\n\n\nPackage Contents\n\n1× Adafruit VL6180X ToF Distance Sensor Breakout (assembled and tested)\n1× Header strip (requires soldering)\n\n\nResources\n\n\nAdafruit VL6180X Tutorial – Code, schematics, wiring diagrams, and more\n","vendor":"Adafruit","product_type":"physical","in_stock":true,"options":[],"variants":[{"id":12658,"title":"Default Title","sku":"AF-3316","price":28.27,"on_sale":false,"in_stock":true,"available_quantity":101,"option1":"Default Title"}]}