SparkFun
SparkFun Proximity Sensor Breakout - 20cm, VCNL4040 (Qwiic)
The SparkFun VCNL4040 Proximity Sensor Breakout detects objects qualitatively up to 20 cm away using infrared proximity sensing. It also includes a built-in ...
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The SparkFun VCNL4040 Proximity Sensor Breakout detects objects qualitatively up to 20 cm away using infrared proximity sensing. It also includes a built-in ambient light sensor, making it a versatile dual-function module. With no dead zone, it can read objects all the way to the face of the sensor.
The breakout features a Qwiic connector for solderless I²C hookup, plus standard 0.1" header pins for breadboard use. A digital alternative to analogue Sharp IR sensors — ideal when you need presence detection rather than precise distance measurement.
Key Features
- VCNL4040 Sensor – Combined IR proximity and ambient light sensor
- Proximity Range – Up to 20 cm with no dead zone
- Ambient Light Sensor – Built-in digital light level measurement
- Qwiic Connector – Solderless I²C connection (4-pin JST, 1 mm pitch)
- Breadboard Friendly – 0.1" header pins also broken out
- 3.3 V Logic – I²C interface
Ideal For
- Object presence and proximity detection
- Automatic dispensers and touchless controls
- Ambient light sensing
- Gesture detection projects
Package Contents
- 1× SparkFun VCNL4040 Proximity Sensor Breakout (Qwiic)
Resources
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 board carries a small or fine-pitched component and brings its connections out to standard, breadboard- and header-friendly pins. Describing a part as a breakout means it can be wired into a project without soldering directly to the component's tiny contacts.
- Proximity sensor
- A sensor that detects the presence of a nearby object without physical contact, using methods such as infrared, ultrasonic, capacitive, inductive or time-of-flight. Useful ranges vary widely between types, from a few millimetres to several metres, so check a given sensor's specified range to see whether it suits close-up touch-free triggers or longer-distance 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.
Find this product in
Qwiic Proximity Sensor Schematic
Schematic · 177.5 KB · Click any page to view full size
VCNL4040 Sensor Datasheet
Datasheet · 489.8 KB · Click any page to view full size
Supplier page — sparkfun.com
Supplier Description · 693.7 KB · Click any page to view full size
VCNL4040 Datasheet
Datasheet · 394.4 KB · Click any page to view full size
Resources & Downloads
Guides, code examples, and more
Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au
