SKU: SENS-0095
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SparkFun VL53L1X ToF Distance Sensor Breakout - 4-Meter Range, Qwiic & I2C

₹4,179.00 (Inclusive of all taxes)
Out of Stock

The SparkFun VL53L1X breakout is a high-precision Time-of-Flight (ToF) distance sensor module compatible with 3.3V systems like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and ESP32. It provides accurate laser-based ranging from 40 mm up to 4 meters via I2C and the solderless Qwiic Connect System.

Features

  • VL53L1X laser ToF sensor with ±1 mm resolution and up to 4-meter range.
  • Operates at 2.6V to 3.5V with I2C/Qwiic interface for easy microcontroller integration.
  • Features a programmable 15° to 27° field of view and a Class 1 940 nm VCSEL light source.
  • Supports fast measurement rates up to 50 Hz for real-time distance monitoring.
  • Compact breakout design with 0.1″ pins and Qwiic connector for solder-free prototyping.

Out of stock

Description

The SparkFun SEN-14722 breakout integrates STMicroelectronics’ VL53L1X, a state-of-the-art Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor. It uses a 940 nm Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) to emit infrared light and a SPAD (Single-Photon Avalanche Diode) array to detect the reflected photons. By precisely measuring the time-of-flight of the light pulse, it calculates distance with high accuracy, independent of target color and surface texture.

The sensor’s signal conditioning and histogram processing are handled internally, providing stable, calibrated distance readings via I2C communication. The module is designed for 3.3V logic systems and includes level shifting for safe operation with 5V microcontrollers. Its compact form factor and dual connectivity options (Qwiic and standard headers) make it ideal for integration into space-constrained robotic and automation projects.

Key Features

  • High-precision laser Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensing with ±1 mm resolution.
  • Extended measurement range from 40 mm (short mode) up to 4 meters (long mode).
  • Programmable field of view (15° to 27°) for optimizing sensing performance.
  • Class 1 eye-safe 940 nm VCSEL infrared laser source for reliable operation.
  • Fast sampling rate up to 50 Hz enables real-time object tracking and avoidance.
  • I2C interface with default address 0x29 and solderless Qwiic connectivity.
  • Low power consumption (approx. 20 mW at 10 Hz) for battery-powered applications.
  • Compact, durable breakout board with standard 0.1" pin spacing for prototyping.

Applications

  • Robotics navigation and obstacle detection/avoidance systems.
  • Industrial automation for precise object positioning and bin picking.
  • Gesture recognition and touchless interfaces in consumer electronics.
  • Drones and UAVs for altitude hold and terrain-following applications.
  • Volume measurement and liquid level sensing in constrained spaces.

Technical Specifications

Sensor ModelVL53L1X (STMicroelectronics)
Sensor TypeTime-of-Flight (ToF)
Operating Voltage2.6 V to 3.5 V
Power Consumption~20 mW @ 10 Hz
Measurement Range~40 mm to 4,000 mm
Resolution±1 mm
Light SourceClass 1, 940 nm VCSEL
Field of View15° to 27° (programmable)
Max Read Rate50 Hz
Communication InterfaceI2C / Qwiic
I2C Address0x29 (default)
Connector SystemQwiic Connect System
Pin Spacing0.1 inch
Dimensions (Board)25 mm x 25 mm x 3 mm
Weight~3 g

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the operating voltage range for this VL53L1X breakout?

The module operates from 2.6V to 3.5V. While the VL53L1X sensor itself is a 3.3V device, the breakout includes level shifting, allowing the I2C pins to be safely connected to both 3.3V and 5V microcontroller systems like Arduino Uno or Raspberry Pi.

How do I connect this sensor using the Qwiic system?

The Qwiic connector enables solderless I2C connection. Simply use a Qwiic cable to link the sensor to any other Qwiic-enabled board (e.g., SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic). Power (3.3V), ground, SDA, and SCL are all carried over the single 4-pin cable, simplifying wiring and prototyping.

Can the field of view (FoV) be adjusted, and why would I change it?

Yes, the FoV is programmable from 15° to 27° via the VL53L1X's internal settings. A narrower FoV (15°) provides higher signal-to-noise ratio for longer-range detection of small objects, while a wider FoV (27°) is better for detecting larger or closer targets within a broader area.

What is the difference between short mode and long mode on the VL53L1X?

Short mode optimizes performance for distances from 40 mm to 1.3 meters, offering faster timing and lower power. Long mode extends the range up to 4 meters but may have slightly reduced accuracy at the very shortest distances. The mode can be selected through the sensor's API.

Is this sensor eye-safe, and can it be used outdoors?

It uses a Class 1, 940 nm infrared VCSEL, which is considered eye-safe under normal operating conditions. While it can be used outdoors, direct sunlight (especially containing 940 nm IR) can saturate the SPAD detector. For outdoor use, shielding from ambient light or using the sensor's built-in crosstalk compensation is recommended.

Package Includes

  • 1 x SparkFun VL53L1X ToF Distance Sensor Breakout (SEN-14722)

Additional Information

Weight 0.003 kg
Dimensions 2.5 × 2.5 × 0.3 cm