SparkFun Ambient Light Sensor - VEML6030 (Qwiic)

The SparkFun Ambient Light Sensor - VEML6030 (Qwiic) is a high-precision sensor that detects ambient light with 16-bit resolution. Its ability to perceive light similar to the human eye response makes it stand out. The VEML6030 Qwiic board is designed to be user-friendly; it can be connected to your system using the Qwiic system without the need for soldering. For those who prefer using a breadboard, 2.54mm-spaced pins are provided.

The VEML6030 measures ambient light in lux and has a range of zero to 120,000 lux. It comes with a host of useful features like the option to set high and low thresholds for an optional interrupt, power-saving features that allow single-digit micro-amp current draw, and more. SparkFun has also developed an Arduino library that provides full access to all the features of the VEML6030 and includes example code that demonstrates its capabilities.

The I²C address of the VEML6030 is 0x48 and can be selected to 0x10 via a jumper. To communicate with multiple VEML6030 sensors on a single bus, a multiplexer/Mux is required. Consider using the Qwiic Mux Breakout if you need to use more than one VEML6030 sensor.

The SparkFun Qwiic Connect System is a versatile ecosystem of I²C sensors, actuators, shields, and cables that make prototyping faster and less error-prone. All Qwiic-enabled boards use a common 1mm pitch, 4-pin JST connector. This design not only reduces the amount of required PCB space but also ensures that connections are polarized, preventing incorrect hookups.

Key features of the VEML6030 include a floor life of 72 hours, MSL 4 according to J-STD-020, low standby current consumption (typically 0.5uA), configurable I²C address (default: 0x48), removable pull-up resistors, removable power LED, and Qwiic Connectors.

Support documents for the VEML6030 include a schematic, Eagle Files, a hookup guide, a datasheet for the VEML6030, an Arduino Library, and a GitHub Hardware Repo.