Adafruit VCNL4200 Long Distance IR Proximity and Light Sensor - STEMMA QT / Qwiic

SKU: ADA6064 Brand: Adafruit

We've all been there. That thing is close but how close? When you need to measure a meter-or-so distance with reasonable accuracy, the VCNL4200 Long...

$14.45 AUD, inc GST

$13.14 AUD, exc GST

Available with a lead time
Expect dispatch between May 12 and May 16

Quantity Discounts:

10+ $12.61 (exc GST)
25+ $12.22 (exc GST)

Adafruit have all been there. That thing is close but how close? When you need to measure a meter-or-so distance with reasonable accuracy, the VCNL4200 Long Distance Proximity Sensor from Vishay can do that for you. It's excellent for robotic or motion-detection situations. And. if perchance you also needed to measure the amount of light at the same time, you're in luck! The VCNL4200 can do that too, with it's built in ambient light sensor (ALS)

The VCNL4200 is a powerful two-in-one sensor, with a proximity sensor that works from 0 to 1.5m (59 inches) and light sensor with range of 0.003 to 1570 lux. It's the longest-range IR distance sensor We've seen other than the Sharp Analog distance sensors, and at a great price with I2C interface. Note that while the chip itself is specced for 1.5 meter distance measurements, that depends a bit on optimal lighting situations and high power configuration. Adafruit have found that 50-100cm is a good range to expect, and you won't get a lot of accuracy/precision as the detection object gets farther away. Adafruit normally suggest ToF sensors for long precision measurements, but sometimes you want the low cost and simplicity of infrared. Also, you get a 'free' light sensor which ToF sensors don't contain.

"OK, finally I can get started on my proximity and light sensing project, but how do I use it?" you say. To make life easier so you can focus on your important work, Adafruit have taken the VCNL4200 and put it onto a breakout PCB along with support circuitry to let you use this little wonder with 3.3V (Feather/Raspberry Pi) or 5V (Arduino/ Metro328) logic levels. Additionally since it speaks I2C you can easily connect it up with two wires (plus power and ground!). Adafruit have even included SparkFun qwiic compatible STEMMA QT connectors for the I2C bus so you don't even need to solder! Just wire up to your favorite micro and you can use CircuitPython/Python or Arduino drivers to easily interface with the VCNL4200 and make approximate approximations of proximity in no time! QT Cable is not included, but we have a variety in the shop.

To give you some ability to tune your measurements for your situation, the VCNL4200 lets you adjust the integration time for both light sensing and proximity, IR LED power, duty cycle, multi-pulse, and sunlight-immunity. There's also interrupt output support for light or proximity measurement thresholds.

Technical Details

VCNL4200 Specifications:

PROXIMITY FUNCTION
- Immunity to red glow (940 nm IRED)
- Intelligent background light cancellation
- Smart persistence scheme to reduce PS response time
- Proximity distance up to 1.5 m
AMBIENT LIGHT FUNCTION
- Fluorescent light flicker immunity
- Spectrum close to real human eye responses
- Selectable maximum detection range (197 / 393 / 786 / 1573) lux with highest sensitivity 0.003 lux/step
INTERRUPT
- Programmable interrupt function for ALS and PS with upper and lower thresholds
- Adjustable persistence to prevent false triggers for ALS and PS

Product Dimensions: 25.6mm x 17.7mm x 4.8mm / 1.0" x 0.7" x 0.2"

Product Weight: 1.9g / 0.1oz

This product is listed in:

Sensors>Distance>Infrared

Product Comments

Start the conversation

Exact shipping can be calculated on the view cart page (no login required).

Products that weigh more than 0.5 KG may cost more than what's shown (for example, test equipment, machines, >500mL liquids, etc).

We deliver Australia-wide with these options (depends on the final destination - you can get a quote on the view cart page):

$3+ for Stamped Mail (typically 10+ business days, not tracked, only available on selected small items)
$7+ for Standard Post (typically 6+ business days, tracked)
$11+ for Express Post (typically 2+ business days, tracked)
Pickup - Free! Only available to customers who live in the Newcastle region (must order online and only pickup after we email to notify you the order is ready). Orders placed after 2PM may not be ready until the following business day.

Non-metro addresses in WA, NT, SA & TAS can take 2+ days in addition to the above information.

Some batteries (such as LiPo) can't be shipped by Air. During checkout, Express Post and International Methods will not be an option if you have that type of battery in your shopping cart.

International Orders - the following rates are for New Zealand and will vary for other countries:

$12+ for Pack and Track (3+ days, tracked)
$16+ for Express International (2-5 days, tracked)

If you order lots of gear, the postage amount will increase based on the weight of your order.

Our physical address (here's a PDF which includes other key business details):

Unit 18, 132 Garden Grove Parade
Adamstown
NSW, 2289
Australia

Take a look at our customer service page if you have other questions such as "do we do purchase orders" (yes!) or "are prices GST inclusive" (yes they are!). We're here to help - get in touch with us to talk shop.

Have a product question? We're here to help!