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Adafruit VCNL4200 Long Distance IR Proximity and Light Sensor is a two-in-one I2C breakout built around the Vishay VCNL4200. It combines a long-range infrared proximity sensor with an ambient light sensor, making it a handy choice for robotics, motion detection, presence sensing, interactive installations, and smart lighting projects.
The proximity function is specified for up to 1.5 m, while the ambient light sensor covers 0.003 to 1570 lux. In practical use, a range of about 50 to 100 cm is a realistic expectation for many setups, with precision decreasing as the target moves farther away. If you need highly accurate long-distance ranging, a ToF sensor is usually better, but the VCNL4200 offers the low cost and simplicity of IR sensing plus a built-in light sensor.
The breakout includes support circuitry for both 3.3 V and 5 V logic, and features STEMMA QT / Qwiic compatible connectors for quick solderless I2C integration. It is supported with CircuitPython, Python, and Arduino libraries, and offers adjustable integration time, IR LED power, duty cycle, multi-pulse, sunlight-immunity, and interrupt thresholds for light or proximity events.
Technical details for Adafruit VCNL4200 Long Distance IR Proximity and Light Sensor.
| Brand | Adafruit |
|---|---|
| Sensor IC | Vishay VCNL4200 |
| Interface | I2C |
| Default I2C Address | 0x51 |
| Board Input Voltage | 3.3 V to 5 V |
| Logic Compatibility | 3.3 V and 5 V logic support on breakout |
| Proximity Range | 0 to 1.5 m |
| Ambient Light Range | 0.003 to 1570 lux |
| Connectors | STEMMA QT / SparkFun Qwiic compatible |
| Software Support | CircuitPython, Python, Arduino |
Primary connections for the breakout board.
| Pin | Name | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VIN | Power input for the breakout; supply 3.3 V to 5 V to match your microcontroller logic level |
| 2 | 3Vo | 3.3 V output from the onboard regulator |
| 3 | GND | Common ground for power and logic |
| 4 | SCL | I2C clock line |
| 5 | SDA | I2C data line |
| 6 | INT | Interrupt output for programmable light or proximity threshold events |
For a 5 V board such as an Arduino Uno or Metro, connect 5V to VIN, GND to GND, SCL to SCL, and SDA to SDA. For a 3.3 V board such as a Feather or Raspberry Pi, connect 3V to VIN, GND to GND, SCL to SCL, and SDA to SDA.
Note: a STEMMA QT / Qwiic cable is supported by the board design but is not included.
It combines two sensors on one breakout: an IR proximity sensor and an ambient light sensor (ALS). It can report approximate proximity as well as light levels over I2C.
The sensor is specified for proximity sensing from 0 to 1.5 m, but real-world results depend on lighting and configuration. Adafruit notes that about 50 to 100 cm is a practical range to expect, with reduced accuracy at longer distances.
Yes, the breakout is designed to work with both 3.3V logic boards like Raspberry Pi or Feather and 5V logic boards like Arduino or Metro. It uses an I2C interface and can be powered from 3.3V to 5V on the breakout board.
Yes, it includes STEMMA QT connectors that are SparkFun Qwiic compatible for the I2C bus. A QT cable is not included with the board.
The default I2C address is 0x51. This is the address used in the Adafruit guide for CircuitPython, Python, and Arduino setups.
Yes, the VCNL4200 supports adjustable integration time for proximity and light sensing, IR LED power, duty cycle, multi-pulse, and sunlight-immunity settings. It also supports an interrupt output for programmable light or proximity thresholds.
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