Sharp GP2Y0A51SK0F Analog Distance Sensor 2-15cm

Sharp GP2Y0A51SK0F Analog Distance Sensor 2-15cm

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 gives you higher resolution measurements, and the low minimum detection distance makes this sensor great for detecting very close objects. The distance is indicated by an analog voltage, making this sensor very easy to use.

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″).

The GP2Y0A51 uses a 3-pin JST ZH connector that has a 1.5 mm pitch. We do not currently offer a cable that works with this connector, but it is possible to solder three wires to the sensor where the connector pins are mounted as shown in the picture to the right below (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).

Features

• 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)

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

We have a variety of Sharp distance sensors to choose from, including the short-range (4 – 30 cm) GP2Y0A41SK0F, medium-range (10 – 80 cm) GP2Y0A21YK0F, and long-range (20 – 150 cm) GP2Y0A02YK0F. 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. We also carry the newer Sharp GP2Y0A60SZ analog distance sensor (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.

For short-range detection applications, we 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, 10 cm, or 15 cm 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.

Specifications

• Maximum range: 15 cm
• Minimum range: 2 cm
• Sampling rate: 60 Hz1
• Minimum operating voltage: 4.5 V
• Maximum operating voltage: 5.5 V
• Supply current: 12 mA2
• Output type: analog voltage
• Output voltage differential: 1.65 V3

Download

• GP2Y0A51SK0F datasheet