The Adafruit VL53L1X Time of Flight (ToF) sensor offers a measuring range of up to 4 meters and LIDAR-level accuracy. The sensor uses an invisible laser emitter and measures the time it takes for light to travel from the target back to the sensor. Thanks to its narrow beam, it measures only the surface in front accurately, unlike ultrasonic or traditional IR sensors which can have issues with linearity or ghosting.

The breakout board includes a 2.8 V regulator and level shifting, so the sensor can be used safely with 3–5 V systems such as Arduino UNO, Metro 328, Raspberry Pi, or Feather. Connection is via the I2C bus with two data lines plus power and ground.

The board is fitted with STEMMA QT connectors that are compatible with the SparkFun Qwiic system. This allows the sensor to be connected without soldering and daisy-chained with other I2C devices. QT cable is not included.

Technical specifications

• Measurement technique: Time of Flight (ToF) laser
• Measurement accuracy: LIDAR-level
• Measurement range: 30–4000 mm
• Update rate: up to 50 Hz
• Operating voltage and logic: 3–5 V (internal 2.8 V regulator)
• Interface: I2C (ST API and Arduino library available)
• STEMMA QT / Qwiic compatible connectors

Package includes

• 1 × Adafruit VL53L1X ToF Breakout (assembled and tested)
• Header pins

Links

• Product page