> **Source:** Core Electronics is an Australian maker-electronics retailer and manufacturer based in Newcastle, NSW, run by a team of makers and educators. We design and manufacture our own product lines (PiicoDev, CE originals) and are official retailers for iconic maker and industrial brands including Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Adafruit, SparkFun and DFRobot. Orders ship Australia-wide from our Newcastle warehouse. Prices are in AUD and include GST. Pricing, stock and dispatch on this page are generated from the store's live catalog. Full machine-readable index: https://core-electronics.com.au/llms.txt

# Sharp GP2Y0A51SK0F Analog Distance Sensor 2-15cm

**Type:** Product page · **SKU:** POLOLU-2450 · **Brand:** [Pololu](https://core-electronics.com.au/brands/pololu-australia)
**Page:** https://core-electronics.com.au/sharp-gp2y0a51sk0f-analog-distance-sensor-2-15cm.html ([markdown](https://core-electronics.com.au/sharp-gp2y0a51sk0f-analog-distance-sensor-2-15cm.html.md))

The GP2Y0A51SK0F is the shortest-range Sharp analog distance sensor we carry, featuring a detection range of 0.8" to 6" (2 cm to 15 cm). The shorter range...

## Pricing

- **Price:** $30.75 (inc GST) — $27.95 AUD, exc GST
- **Quantity discounts:** 10+ $26.84 (exc GST) · 25+ $26.00 (exc GST)

## Availability & dispatch

- Available with a lead time — expect dispatch between Aug 14 and Aug 17.

## How to buy

- **Build a cart:** compose `https://core-electronics.com.au/cart/link?items=POLOLU-2450:1` (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-2450:1.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

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, making this an adjustable-threshold alternative to digital Sharp sensors. The detection range of this version is approximately 2 cm to 15 cm (0.8" to 6").

| \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J6049_11627cf9efe.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J6049_16811c32d82.jpg) \| \|---\| | \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J6050_19023ebe9bd.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J6050_247330e77ff.jpg) \| \|---\|---\| |
|---|

The GP2Y0A51 uses a 1.5mm-pitch 3-pin JST ZH connector that works with Pololu's [3-pin JST ZH-style cable](https://core-electronics.com.au/3-pin-female-jst-zh-style-cable-30cm-for-sharp-gp2y0a51-distance-sensors.html) (not included), as shown below:

| \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J6718_14969ca308a.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J6718_158623c0133.jpg) \| \|---\| | \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J6719_10115e9d18b.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J6719_11469f0fc7a.jpg) \| \|---\|---\| |
|---|

The wire color scheme matches the Sharp distance sensor pinout: red for power, black for ground, and white for signal.

| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J6053_14337776e42.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J6053_235871335c5.jpg) |
|---|
| Sharp GP2Y0A51SK0F Analog Distance Sensor 2-15cm with wires soldered directly to the sensor PCB. |

It is also possible to solder three wires to the sensor where the connector pins are mounted, as shown in the picture to the right (you should probably add some hot glue for strain relief as a final step; this is not show in the picture because it would obscure the soldering). Because of the narrow pitch, it helps to have a fine-tipped soldering iron, and you should be very careful not to accidentally short two pins together with your wires or any added solder. When looking at the front of the sensor, the three connections are, from left to right, power (Vcc), ground, and the output signal (Vo).

**Feature summary**

- Operating voltage: 4.5 V to 5.5 V
- Average current consumption: 12 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: 2 cm to 15 cm (0.8" to 6")
- Output type: analog voltage
- Output voltage differential over distance range: 1.65 V (typical)
- Update period: 16.5 ± 4 ms
- Size: 27 mm × 13.2 mm × 14.2 mm (1.06" × 0.52" × 0.56")
- Weight: 2.7 g (0.10 oz)

| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J6052_28313ddca77.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J6052_87152ea56dd.png) |
|---|

**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 GP2Y0A51SK0F datasheet (312k 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).

**Alternative Sharp distance sensors**

Pololu have a variety of Sharp distance sensors to choose from, including the [short-range (4 – 30 cm) GP2Y0A41SK0F](https://core-electronics.com.au/sharp-gp2y0a41sk0f-analog-distance-sensor-4-30cm.html), [medium-range (10 – 80 cm) GP2Y0A21YK0F](https://core-electronics.com.au/sharp-gp2y0a21yk0f-analog-distance-sensor-10-80cm.html), and [long-range (20 – 150 cm) GP2Y0A02YK0F](https://core-electronics.com.au/sharp-gp2y0a02yk0f-analog-distance-sensor-20-150cm.html). These other analog distance sensors all 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 short-range detection applications, Pololu 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 GP2Y0A51SK is different from Pololu's other [Sharp analog distance sensors with JST PH connectors](https://core-electronics.com.au/sensors/distance/infrared.html) in two important ways: it uses a different 3-pin connector (JST ZH) that is not compatible with Pololu's JST PH cables or 0.1" connectors, and the mounting holes are in different locations, so it is not compatible with Pololu's [brackets for Sharp distance sensors](https://core-electronics.com.au/category/160/brackets-for-sharp-distance-sensors). Like with most of the other Sharp distance sensors Pololu carry, the manufacturer recommends you insert a bypass capacitor of 10 µF or more between Vcc and GND near this sensor to stabilize the power supply line.

The GP2Y0A51SK0F model is a lead-free, RoHS-compliant version of the Sharp GP2Y0A51 Distance Sensor.

**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) |
|---|---|

| [![3-Pin Female JST ZH-Style Cable (30cm) for Sharp GP2Y0A51 Distance Sensors](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J6716_3504664618.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/3-pin-female-jst-zh-style-cable-30cm-for-sharp-gp2y0a51-distance-sensors.html) | [3-Pin Female JST ZH-Style Cable (30cm) for Sharp GP2Y0A51 Distance Sensors](https://core-electronics.com.au/3-pin-female-jst-zh-style-cable-30cm-for-sharp-gp2y0a51-distance-sensors.html) |
|---|---|

| [![Sharp GP2Y0A41SK0F Analog Distance Sensor 4-30cm](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J5068_37328f122d.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/sharp-gp2y0a41sk0f-analog-distance-sensor-4-30cm.html) | [Sharp GP2Y0A41SK0F Analog Distance Sensor 4-30cm](https://core-electronics.com.au/sharp-gp2y0a41sk0f-analog-distance-sensor-4-30cm.html) |
|---|---|

**Dimensions**

 | Size: | 1.06" × 0.52" × 0.56" |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 2.7 g |

**General specifications**

 | Maximum range: | 15 cm |
|---|---|
| Minimum range: | 2 cm |
| Sampling rate: | 60 Hz[1](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note1) |
| Minimum operating voltage: | 4.5 V |
| Maximum operating voltage: | 5.5 V |
| Supply current: | 12 mA[2](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note2) |
| Output type: | analog voltage |
| Output voltage differential: | 1.65 V[3](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note3) |

**Notes:**

1Typical; can be as low as 50 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.3Over the range of 2 cm to 15 cm. **File downloads**

- **GP2Y0A51SK0F datasheet (312k pdf)**

## Images

- [Product image 1](https://core-electronics.com.au/media/catalog/product/i/m/image_7645.jpg)
