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 ...
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 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.
- Proximity sensor
- A sensor that detects when an object is nearby without needing physical contact. For this product it matters because the useful detection range is short, up to about 200 mm, so it suits touch-free triggers and close object detection rather than long-distance measuring.
- 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
Resources & Downloads
Guides, code examples, and more
Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au
