POLOLU 2489 - VL6180X Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor Carrier

POLOLU 2489 - VL6180X Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor Carrier

This sensor is a carrier/breakout board for ST’s VL6180X proximity and ambient light sensor, which measures the range to a target object up to 20 cm away (or 60 cm with reduced resolution). The VL6180X uses time-of-flight measurements of infrared pulses for ranging, allowing it to give accurate results independent of the target’s color and surface. Distance and ambient light level measurements can be read through a digital I²C interface. The board has a 2.8 V linear regulator and integrated level-shifters that allow it to work over an input voltage range of 2.7 V to 5.5 V, and the 0.1" pin spacing makes it easy to use with standard solderless breadboards and 0.1" perfboards.

Dimensions: 0.5" × 0.7" × 0.085" (13 mm × 18 mm × 2 mm)
Weight without header pins: 0.5 g (0.02 oz)
Operating voltage: 2.7 V to 5.5 V
Supply current: 5 mA (typical; varies with configuration, target, and environment)
Output format (I²C): 8-bit distance reading (in millimeters), 16-bit ambient light reading
Distance measuring range: up to 10 cm (4") specified; up to 60 cm (24") possible with reduced resolution. See the graph at the right for typical ranging performance.
Ranging beyond 10 cm is possible with certain target reflectances and ambient conditions but not guaranteed by specifications. By default, the sensor can report distances up to 20 cm, or it can be configured to measure up to 60 cm with reduced resolution.
The datasheet does not specify a minimum range, but in our experience, the effective limit is about 1 cm.