The SparkFun Micro Proximity Sensor packs the VCNL4040's reliable, no-dead-zone presence detection and ambient light sensing into our smallest Qwiic form factor.
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The SparkFun Micro Proximity Sensor puts the reliable VCNL4040 into our smallest Qwiic form factor, making it ideal for the tightest of spaces. At only 0.75in. by 0.30in. (or 24.65mm by 7.62mm for our metric friends), Qwiic Micro is perfect for projects and applications with space or weight constraints. If you have ever used an automatic paper towel dispenser or a touchless soap dispenser, you have likely interacted with this type of technology.
This sensor is the perfect digital alternative to popular analogue "Sharp" sensors. However, to achieve this ultra-small footprint, we have streamlined the interface. This board breaks out only the VCNL4040’s Interrupt pin, while all other signals and power are routed exclusively through the Qwiic connector. Despite its size, it retains the VCNL4040's best feature, absolutely no dead zone. Unlike many other sensors that require an object to be at least 4cm away to be detected, this Micro breakout can detect objects up to the sensor's face.
It is essential to understand that this is a qualitative sensor, not a quantitative one.
If your project requires precise, millimetre-accurate distance measurements, we recommend checking out our Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors. But for detecting presence, gestures, or collisions, the VCNL4040 is what you need.
In addition to proximity, the VCNL4040 features a built-in Ambient Light Sensor (ALS). This allows the board to measure lux and the lighting conditions of the environment, making it great for adjusting screen brightness, controlling automatic night lights, or triggering your next glitter cannon.
Utilising the handy Qwiic Connect System, no soldering is required to connect the Micro VCNL4040 board to the rest of your system. However, if you want to skip the programming entirely, this breakout is fully compatible with the SparkFun OpenLog Artemis and DataLogger systems. When connected, the sensor is automatically detected, scanned, configured, and logged. This allows you to start gathering proximity data immediately! No programming, soldering, or complex setup required.
Please keep in mind that this board has only a single Qwiic connector. Micro boards work great alongside the Qwiic Multiport or at the end of a Qwiic daisy chain.
By eliminating the "blind zone" found in legacy sensors, the VCNL4040 offers effective detection from 0 to 20cm. Paired with excellent ambient light suppression, it ensures consistent readings in fluctuating environments. With the Micro Proximity Sensor, you get this dependable, short-range presence detection in a form factor small enough to fit almost anywhere.
*Technical Note: The I2C address of the VCNL4040 is hardware-defined. To use multiple sensors on a single bus, you will need a multiplexer like the Qwiic Mux Breakout.
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