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Full machine-readable index: https://core-electronics.com.au/llms.txt # Sharp GP2Y0A21YK0F Analog Distance Sensor 10-80cm **Type:** Product page · **SKU:** POLOLU-136 · **Brand:** [Pololu](https://core-electronics.com.au/brands/pololu-australia) **Page:** https://core-electronics.com.au/sharp-gp2y0a21yk0f-analog-distance-sensor-10-80cm.html ([markdown](https://core-electronics.com.au/sharp-gp2y0a21yk0f-analog-distance-sensor-10-80cm.html.md)) The GP2Y0A21 Sharp distance sensor is a great way to add obstacle avoidance or motion sensing to your robot or any other project. With a detection range of 4″ to 32″ (10 cm to 80 cm) and an analog voltage indicating the distance, this sensor is very easy to use. ## Pricing - **Price:** $37.45 (inc GST) — $34.05 AUD, exc GST - **Quantity discounts:** 10+ $32.68 (exc GST) · 25+ $31.66 (exc GST) ## Availability & dispatch - In stock, ships same business day if ordered before 2PM (Australia/Sydney). - We can dispatch 2 today, and up to 160 more in 4–7 days. ## How to buy - **Build a cart:** compose `https://core-electronics.com.au/cart/link?items=POLOLU-136:1` (comma-separated SKU:qty pairs) and share the link. Opening it shows a confirmation page with live pricing and stock before anything is added to the cart. - **Verify the cart first:** fetch `https://core-electronics.com.au/cart/link/POLOLU-136:1.md` for live line prices (inc & exc GST, quantity discounts applied), stock and dispatch estimates, and totals. Append `/to/{AU-postcode}` (or `/to/{country-code}:{postcode}`) before `.md` for delivery options and prices to that destination. Unknown, retired, or out-of-stock SKUs are flagged. (Query form `cart/link.md?items=...` also works but some robots parsers refuse query strings here.) - **Checkout** is completed on-site and includes a captcha at the payment step. Share the cart link; checkout takes it from there. - **Search the catalogue:** `https://core-electronics.com.au/search/{query}.md` (URL-encode the query; pages 2-3 at `search/{query}/{page}.md`; `search.md?q=` also works) - **Payment methods, purchase orders, policies and contact details:** https://core-electronics.com.au/llms.txt ## Description | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J1466_81738c5a90.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J1466_1180487ab3d.jpg) | |---| The Sharp distance sensors are a popular choice for many projects that require accurate distance measurements. This IR sensor is more economical than sonar rangefinders, yet it provides much better performance than other IR alternatives. Interfacing to most microcontrollers is straightforward: the single analog output can be connected to an analog-to-digital converter for taking distance measurements, or the output can be connected to a comparator for threshold detection. The detection range of this version is approximately 10 cm to 80 cm (4" to 32"). The GP2Y0A21 uses a 3-pin JST PH connector that works with Pololu's 3-pin JST PH cables for Sharp distance sensors (not included), as shown in the upper picture on the right. These cables have 3-pin JST connectors on one end and are available with [pre-crimped male pins](https://core-electronics.com.au/3-pin-female-jst-ph-style-cable-30-cm-with-male-pins-for-0-1-housings.html), [pre-crimped female pins](https://core-electronics.com.au/3-pin-female-jst-ph-style-cable-30-cm-with-female-pins-for-0-1-housings.html), and with [unterminated wires](https://core-electronics.com.au/3-pin-female-jst-ph-style-cable-for-sharp-distance-sensors-30cm.html) on the other end. It is also possible to solder three wires to the sensor where the connector pins are mounted (see the lower picture to the right). When looking at the back, the three connections from left to right are power, ground, and the output signal. Pololu also carry an assortment of [mounting brackets](https://core-electronics.com.au/category/160/brackets-for-sharp-distance-sensors) designed specifically for this sensor: | \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J5937_788352e6b2.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J5937_43474db81f9.jpg) \| \|---\| | \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J5945_8971330127.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J5945_43921b4f109.jpg) \| \|---\|---\| | \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J5934_6826405005.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J5934_42307cce05b.jpg) \| \|---\|---\| | |---| | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J5938_89197c8db1.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J5938_118827728fd.jpg) | |---| | Family of brackets for Sharp GP2Y0A02, GP2Y0A21, and GP2Y0A41 Distance Sensors. | | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J147_599138293e.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J147_45184fadbb.jpg) | |---| **Feature summary** - Operating voltage: 4.5 V to 5.5 V - Average current consumption: 30 mA (**note:** this sensor draws current in large, short bursts, and the manufacturer recommends putting a 10 µF capacitor or larger across power and ground close to the sensor to stabilize the power supply line) - Distance measuring range: 10 cm to 80 cm (4" to 32") - Output type: analog voltage - Output voltage differential over distance range: 1.9 V (typical) - Update period: 38 ± 10 ms - Size: 44.5 mm × 18.9 mm × 13.5 mm (1.75" × 0.75" × 0.53") - Weight: 3.5 g (0.12 oz) | ![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J387_1001501a425.gif) | |---| **Linearizing the output** The relationship between the sensor’s output voltage and the inverse of the measured distance is approximately linear over the sensor’s usable range. The GP2Y0A21YK datasheet (374k pdf) contains a plot of analog output voltage as a function of the inverse of distance to a reflective object. You can use this plot to convert the sensor output voltage to an approximate distance by constructing a best-fit line that relates the inverse of the output voltage (V) to distance (cm). In its simplest form, the linearizing equation can be that the distance to the reflective object is approximately equal to a constant scale factor (~27 V\*cm) divided by the sensor’s output voltage. Adding a constant distance offset and modifying the scale factor can improve the fit of this line. **Alternative Sharp distance sensors** Pololu have a variety of Sharp distance sensors to choose from, including the [shorter-range (4 – 30 cm) GP2Y0A41SK0F](https://core-electronics.com.au/sharp-gp2y0a41sk0f-analog-distance-sensor-4-30cm.html) and [longer-range (20 – 150 cm) GP2Y0A02YK0F](https://core-electronics.com.au/sharp-gp2y0a02yk0f-analog-distance-sensor-20-150cm.html). These analog distance sensors have similar packages and identical pin-outs, making it easy to swap one version for another should your application requirements change. Pololu also carry the newer [Sharp GP2Y0A60SZ analog distance sensor](https://core-electronics.com.au/pololu-carrier-with-sharp-gp2y0a60szlf-analog-distance-sensor-10-150cm-5v.html) (10 – 150 cm), which outperforms the other analog Sharp distance sensors in almost all respects, offering a low minimum detection distance, high maximum detection distance, wide 3 V output voltage differential, high 60 Hz sampling rate, operation down to 2.7 V, and optional enable control, all in a smaller package. | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J5788_186597fdac6.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J5788_67576402d7a.jpg) | |---| | Sharp GP2Y0A02YK0F Sensor 20-150cm (left) next to Pololu Carrier with Sharp GP2Y0A60SZLF Sensor 10-150cm (right). | For very short-range detection applications, Pololu carry a [2-15 cm analog Sharp distance sensor](https://core-electronics.com.au/sharp-gp2y0a51sk0f-analog-distance-sensor-2-15cm.html). Pololu also carry three digital Sharp distance sensors that have low minimum detection distances and a high 400 Hz update rate. They are available with a [5 cm](https://core-electronics.com.au/pololu-carrier-with-sharp-gp2y0d805z0f-digital-distance-sensor-5cm.html), [10 cm](https://core-electronics.com.au/pololu-carrier-with-sharp-gp2y0d810z0f-digital-distance-sensor-10cm.html), or [15 cm](https://core-electronics.com.au/pololu-carrier-with-sharp-gp2y0d815z0f-digital-distance-sensor-15cm.html) range and simply tell you if something is in their detection range, not how far away it is. They are smaller than the analog Sharp distance sensors and draw less current. | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J6051_354130b21fe.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J6051_96039dfdf92.jpg) | |---| | A variety of Sharp distance sensors. From left to right: GP2Y0A02, GP2Y0A21 or GP2Y0A41, GP2Y0A51, and GP2Y0D8xx. | **Note:** The GP2Y0A21YK0F model is a lead-free, RoHS-compliant version of the Sharp GP2Y0A21 Distance Sensor. The manufacturer recommends you insert a bypass capacitor of 10 µF or more between Vcc and GND near this sensor to stabilize your power supply line. **People often buy this product together with:** | [![3-Pin Female JST PH-Style Cable (30 cm) for Sharp Distance Sensors](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J1464_3378312ef7.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/3-pin-female-jst-ph-style-cable-for-sharp-distance-sensors-30cm.html) | [3-Pin Female JST PH-Style Cable (30 cm) for Sharp Distance Sensors](https://core-electronics.com.au/3-pin-female-jst-ph-style-cable-for-sharp-distance-sensors-30cm.html) | |---|---| | [![Pololu Carrier with Sharp GP2Y0D810Z0F Digital Distance Sensor 10cm](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J1178_43271fb4d7.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/pololu-carrier-with-sharp-gp2y0d810z0f-digital-distance-sensor-10cm.html) | [Pololu Carrier with Sharp GP2Y0D810Z0F Digital Distance Sensor 10cm](https://core-electronics.com.au/pololu-carrier-with-sharp-gp2y0d810z0f-digital-distance-sensor-10cm.html) | |---|---| | [![Sharp GP2Y0A02YK0F Analog Distance Sensor 20-150cm](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J1125_3311a8614f.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/sharp-gp2y0a02yk0f-analog-distance-sensor-20-150cm.html) | [Sharp GP2Y0A02YK0F Analog Distance Sensor 20-150cm](https://core-electronics.com.au/sharp-gp2y0a02yk0f-analog-distance-sensor-20-150cm.html) | |---|---| **Dimensions** | Size: | 1.75" × 0.75" × 0.53" | |---|---| | Weight: | 3.5 g | **General specifications** | Maximum range: | 80 cm | |---|---| | Minimum range: | 10 cm | | Sampling rate: | 26 Hz[1](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note1) | | Minimum operating voltage: | 4.5 V | | Maximum operating voltage: | 5.5 V | | Supply current: | 30 mA[2](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note2) | | Output type: | analog voltage | | Output voltage differential: | 1.9 V | **Notes:** 1Typical; can be as low as 21 Hz.2Average; this sensor draws current in large, short bursts, which is why it is recommended a 10 µF capacitor or larger be placed across power and ground close to the sensor. **File downloads** - **GP2Y0A21YK0F datasheet (374k pdf)** ## Images - [Product image 1](https://core-electronics.com.au/media/catalog/product/s/h/sharp_gp2y0a21yk0f_analog_distance_sensor_10_80cm__pololu_136__00.jpg)