Adafruit VCNL4020 Proximity and Light Sensor - STEMMA QT / Qwiic

Name: Adafruit VCNL4020 Proximity and Light Sensor - STEMMA QT / Qwiic
Brand: Adafruit
SKU: TH2047
Price: 5.95 USD
Availability: InStock

SKU: TH2047

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Two-in-one VCNL4020 sensor breakout with 0 to 200 mm proximity sensing and 0.25 to 16,000 lux ambient light measurement. I2C interface with STEMMA QT / Qwiic support.

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Overview

Adafruit VCNL4020 Proximity and Light Sensor is a handy 2-in-1 I2C breakout built around the Vishay VCNL4020. It combines a proximity sensor with an ambient light sensor on a single board, making it a useful choice for touchless interfaces, object detection, basic distance sensing, display dimming, and light-aware projects.

The proximity sensor works from 0 to 200 mm, while the ambient light sensor measures from approximately 0.25 to 16,000 lux with 16-bit output. Compared with similar VCNL4xxx parts, this version stands out for its wider ambient light range.

The breakout includes onboard support circuitry for use with both 3.3V and 5V systems, and adds STEMMA QT / Qwiic-compatible connectors for quick solderless I2C hookup. Please note: a QT cable is not included.

Key Features

Vishay VCNL4020 integrated proximity and ambient light sensor
Proximity sensing range: 0 to 200 mm
Ambient light sensing range: 0.25 to 16,000 lux
16-bit light level reporting with 0.25 lux per bit resolution
Adjustable measurement/sample rate for tuning speed vs low-light performance
Averaging filters for smoother, less spiky readings
I2C interface with default address 0x13
Works with 3.3V and 5V microcontroller setups
STEMMA QT / SparkFun Qwiic compatible connectors for easy wiring
Interrupt pin available for threshold or ready-status events

Compatibility note: the VCNL4020 is not firmware-compatible with other similar VCNL4xxx sensors such as the VCNL4040. If you switch between parts, you will need the correct library and code support.

Specifications & Pinout

Technical details for the Adafruit VCNL4020 breakout.

Brand	Adafruit
Sensor IC	Vishay VCNL4020
Interface	I2C
Default I2C Address	0x13
Logic / Board Support	3.3V and 5V systems
Proximity Range	0 to 200 mm
Light Range	0.25 to 16,000 lux
Light Resolution	0.25 lux per bit, 16-bit

Pinout

The breakout exposes the essential power and I2C pins for quick integration.

Pin	Name	Function
1	VIN	Power input. Use the same voltage as your microcontroller logic level.
2	3Vo	3.3V regulator output, up to 100 mA available.
3	GND	Common ground for power and logic.
4	SCL	I2C clock line.
5	SDA	I2C data line.
6	INT	Interrupt output for configured sensor events.

Using the Sensor

For 5V boards such as Arduino Uno or Metro, connect 5V to VIN, GND to GND, SCL to SCL, and SDA to SDA. For 3.3V boards such as Feather or Raspberry Pi, connect 3V to VIN instead. The board communicates over standard I2C, so setup is straightforward whether you use header pins or the onboard STEMMA QT connectors.

Arduino drivers are available, and the sensor is also supported in CircuitPython and Python environments. This makes it a convenient option for quick prototyping as well as permanent embedded builds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Adafruit VCNL4020 breakout measure?

It combines two sensors in one board: a proximity sensor and an ambient light sensor. The proximity sensing range is up to about 200 mm, and the light sensor measures roughly 0.25/0.26 lux up to 16,000 lux.

Is this sensor compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and 3.3V/5V boards?

Yes, this breakout is designed for I2C use with both 3.3V and 5V logic-level systems, including boards like Arduino, Feather, and Raspberry Pi. Power VIN should match your microcontroller logic supply, such as 3V for 3.3V boards or 5V for 5V boards.

Does this board use I2C, and what is its default I2C address?

Yes, the VCNL4020 breakout communicates over I2C using SDA and SCL, along with power and ground. The default I2C address is 0x13.

Can I use this as a drop-in replacement for a VCNL4040 breakout?

No, the VCNL4020 should not be treated as a drop-in firmware replacement for other VCNL4xxx sensors like the VCNL4040. Although the parts are similar, their firmware and libraries are not identical, so code changes or recompilation are required.

Does the board support STEMMA QT or Qwiic connections?

Yes, the breakout includes SparkFun Qwiic-compatible STEMMA QT connectors for the I2C bus, which can simplify wiring without soldering. A QT cable is not included unless stated separately.

Can I adjust the sensor reading speed or filtering?

Yes, the VCNL4020 allows you to adjust the sample rate, which affects update speed and low-light performance. It also supports averaging filters to smooth readings, but there are no other sensitivity or integration-time controls beyond that.

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