Pololu
Sharp GP2Y0A21YK0F Analog Distance Sensor 10-80cm
The Sharp GP2Y0A21YK0F is an infrared distance sensor that outputs an analogue voltage corresponding to the distance of the nearest object within its 10–80 c...
The Sharp GP2Y0A21YK0F is an infrared distance sensor that outputs an analogue voltage corresponding to the distance of the nearest object within its 10–80 cm detection range. Using IR triangulation, it provides reliable distance measurements independent of the target object's colour or reflectivity.
The sensor connects via a 3-pin JST PH connector and operates from a 4.5–5.5 V supply, making it compatible with most microcontroller platforms including Arduino and Raspberry Pi (with an ADC).
Key Features
- IR Triangulation – Measures distance using infrared light, not affected by target colour
- Analogue Voltage Output – 1.9 V typical differential across the detection range
- 10–80 cm Range – Reliable detection of objects within this window
- Fast Update Rate – 38 ± 10 ms measurement period
- Compact & Lightweight – Only 3.5 g
Specifications
- Operating Voltage: 4.5–5.5 V
- Current Consumption: 30 mA average
- Detection Range: 10–80 cm
- Output: Analogue voltage
- Update Period: 38 ± 10 ms
- Connector: 3-pin JST PH
- Dimensions: 44.5 × 18.9 × 13.5 mm
- Weight: 3.5 g
- Compliance: RoHS (lead-free)
Ideal For
- Obstacle avoidance on mobile robots
- Proximity and motion detection
- Object distance measurement
Package Contents
- 1× Sharp GP2Y0A21YK0F analogue distance sensor with JST PH cable
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- ADC
- An analogue-to-digital converter reads a changing voltage and turns it into a number the microcontroller can use. It matters when connecting analogue sensors such as light, sound, or variable-resistor sensors.
- JST PH
- A small keyed plug-and-socket connector with 2 mm pin spacing, often used for low-power electronics connections. You need the correct JST PH cable, and its current rating limits how much power should be passed through it.
- microcontroller
- A microcontroller is a small computer on a chip that runs your program and controls connected inputs and outputs. For this product, it is the part that reads buttons and sensors, drives the display and speaker, and communicates over Bluetooth.
- 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.
- pH
- A measure of how acidic or alkaline a liquid is, on a scale where 7 is neutral. For a water monitoring kit, pH tells you about water chemistry and whether the included probe matches the range and accuracy your project needs.
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Sensors & Input
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