SparkFun Spectral UV Sensor - AS7331 (Qwiic)

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

AS7331

The AS7331 is an ams OSRAM sensor chip that measures ultraviolet light across separate UVA, UVB and UVC bands. The part number tells you which libraries, datasheets and measurement capabilities apply, since software support and behaviour are tied to that specific chip.

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.

dynamic range

Dynamic range describes how wide a span of values a sensor can measure, from very low to very high. For a light sensor, a wide dynamic range means it can work in dim indoor settings as well as bright sunlight without changing hardware.

GND

GND is the ground or reference connection (0 V) for a circuit. When connecting two devices together, their grounds must be joined so both agree on what counts as a low or high signal.

PCB

A printed circuit board (PCB) is a board, usually rigid, with etched copper tracks that connect electronic components together without loose wiring. Components are mounted on the board and signals route between them through the copper layout.

photodiode

A photodiode is a light-sensitive component that produces a small electrical signal, a current or voltage, when light falls on it. When a sensor uses several photodiodes, each can be tuned to a different part of the spectrum so the chip can measure several wavelength bands separately.

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.

through-hole

A mounting style where the component leads pass through holes in a circuit board and are soldered on the other side. Through-hole parts are often easier to handle and solder by hand, which is useful for classroom and hobby projects.

UVA

UVA is the longer-wavelength part of ultraviolet light, closest to visible violet light. Measuring it separately matters when you need to distinguish general UV exposure from the more energetic UVB and UVC bands.

UVB

UVB is a middle band of ultraviolet light that is more energetic than UVA and is important in sun exposure and plant-related UV monitoring. A sensor with a separate UVB channel lets you measure this band without it being mixed together with other UV light.

UVC

UVC is a short-wavelength, high-energy band of ultraviolet light often used in germicidal lamps and curing applications. A separate UVC reading matters if your project needs to monitor or verify UVC sources rather than just detect general UV light.