SparkFun Proximity Sensor Breakout - 20cm, VCNL4040 (Qwiic)

The SparkFun Proximity Sensor Breakout is an easy-to-use, infrared presence and ambient light sensor that utilizes the VCNL4040. It's a popular choice for automated systems like towel and soap dispensers or automatic faucets, as it can qualitatively detect objects up to 20cm away. This sensor can tell if an object is present and whether it has moved closer or further away since the last reading. Thanks to the Qwiic system, no soldering is required to connect it to your setup. However, 2.54mm-spaced pins are also available for those who prefer using a breadboard.

The SparkFun Proximity Sensor Breakout stands out as a superior digital alternative to the commonly used analog-based Sharp sensors. The VCNL4040 sensor has no dead zone and can read right up to its face. It also includes an ambient light sensor, making it a fantastic choice if you need a digital light sensor for your next project. If your project requires quantitative distance readings, consider using the SparkFun 2 meter and 4 meter Time of Flight (ToF) sensors, which offer mm accuracy.

SparkFun has developed an Arduino library to take full advantage of this sensor's features. It is available in the Arduino Library Manager or from the SparkFun repository.

Please note that the I²C address of the VCNL4040 is 0x60 and is hardware defined. A multiplexer/Mux is necessary to communicate with multiple VCNL4040 sensors on a single bus. If you need to use more than one VCNL4040 sensor, consider using the Qwiic Mux Breakout.

The SparkFun Qwiic Connect System is an ecosystem of I²C sensors, actuators, shields, and cables that make prototyping faster and less prone to error. All Qwiic-enabled boards use a common 1mm pitch, 4-pin JST connector, reducing the amount of required PCB space. Polarized connections also mean you can’t connect it incorrectly.

The VCNL4040 Proximity Sensor Breakout can also be automatically detected, scanned, configured, and logged using the OpenLog Artemis datalogger system. No programming, soldering, or setup is required!

Key Features:

• Qualitative Detection Range: 20cm
• Integrated Modules: Infrared Emitter (IRED), Ambient Light Sensor (ALS), Proximity Sensor (PS)
• Operates ALS and PS in Parallel Structure
• No Dead Zone
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V
• I²C Address: 0x60
• 2x Qwiic Connectors

Supporting Documents:

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Hookup Guide
• Datasheet (VCNL4040)
• Arduino Library
• Python Package
• GitHub