STEMMA QT VCNL4030 Proximity and Lux ​​Sensor - Adafruit 6491

Description

VCNL4030 Proximity and Lux Sensor is a compact sensor module that enables simultaneous measurement of distance (proximity) and light intensity. The module is based on the popular Vishay VCNL4030 sensor, which combines a proximity sensor operating in the range of 0 to 300 mm and an ambient light sensor with a wide measurement range from 0.004 to 16,768 lux. This makes the module ideal for projects that require monitoring both object distance and ambient lighting conditions at the same time.

The module is designed as a breakout board that allows easy integration of the sensor into electronic and educational projects. Thanks to the I2C interface used for communication with a microcontroller, only two signal wires are required, significantly simplifying integration with electronic systems. The sensor supports both 3.3 V and 5 V logic levels, making it compatible with many popular platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and Adafruit Feather.

The device offers extensive configuration options for measurement parameters. Users can adjust parameters such as integration time, dynamic range, and sensitivity of the ambient light sensor, allowing operation to be optimized for different lighting conditions. A longer integration time enables more accurate measurements in low-light environments, while a shorter one allows faster sampling in bright conditions. For the proximity sensor, it is also possible to configure the duty cycle and IR LED current, enabling optimization of measurements in terms of accuracy, response speed, and power consumption.

The board is equipped with STEMMA QT and Qwiic connectors, compatible with the SparkFun Qwiic ecosystem. This allows quick connection of the sensor without soldering—simply use a compatible I2C cable. The manufacturer also provides ready-to-use libraries for Arduino and CircuitPython/Python, which significantly speeds up getting started with the module.

Thanks to its small size and lightweight design, the module is well suited for applications in IoT projects, robotics, home automation, user interaction systems, and STEM educational devices. The ability to simultaneously measure distance and ambient light makes the VCNL4030 sensor a versatile solution for electronics designers and hobbyists.

Features

• Chip: Vishay VCNL4030
• Proximity sensor + ambient light (lux) sensor
• Distance measurement range: 0 to 300 mm
• Light intensity measurement range: 0.004 to 16,768 lux
• Configurable ambient light sensor parameters: integration time, dynamic range, sensitivity
• Configurable proximity sensor parameters: duty cycle, IR LED current
• Communication interface: I2C
• Logic compatibility: 3.3 V and 5 V
• Connectors: STEMMA QT / Qwiic (compatible with the SparkFun Qwiic system)
• Solderless connection using QT/Qwiic cables
• Supported libraries: Arduino, CircuitPython, Python
• Compatible platforms: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Adafruit Feather, and other I2C microcontrollers
• Dimensions: 25.5 × 17.7 × 4.7 mm
• Weight: 1.7 g

Kit contains

• Adafruit VCNL4030 Proximity and Lux Sensor
• Gold pin header