VCNL4000 Proximity and Ambient Light Sensor Module
I2CCompatible ShortRange Detection for Arduino
The VCNL4000 is a fully integrated proximity and ambient light sensor featuring an infrared emitter and signal conditioning IC in a compact surfacemount package [citation:7][citation:11]. It provides 16bit digital readings over an I2C interface, making it ideal for touchscreen locking, power saving, and display dimming applications [citation:1][citation:4].
DualFunction Sensor Combines proximity detection and ambient light sensing in one module
16bit Digital Output Reads distance and light levels via I2C communication
Operating voltage: 2.5V to 3.6V. Breakout boards include a 3.3V regulator for 3-5V power input [citation:7][citation:8]
I2C address: 0x13 (fixed) [citation:1][citation:8]
Proximity detection range is up to 200mm, but it works best at distances of 10-150mm [citation:8][citation:15]
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|
| :- | :- |
| Sensor Type | Proximity + Ambient Light |
| Output | 16-bit digital via I2C |
| Proximity Range | 1mm to 200mm |
| Ambient Light Range | 0.25 lux to 16 klux |
| I2C Address | 0x13 |
| Supply Voltage (chip) | 2.5V to 3.6V |
| Supply Voltage (breakout) | 3V to 5V |
| LED Drive Current | 10mA to 200mA (programmable) |
| Standby Current | 1.5µA |
= Key Features =
+16bit Effective Resolution Detects proximity and ambient light with high precision
+Programmable LED Current - Adjust IR drive from 10mA to 200mA in 10mA steps [citation:7][citation:11]
+Excellent Ambient Light Suppression - Signal modulation minimizes interference [citation:4][citation:11]
+Compact Module - 3.95 x 3.95 x 0.75mm package [citation:7]
= Applications =
- Mobile device touchscreen locking and power saving [citation:4][citation:11]
- Display/keypad contrast control and dimming [citation:8][citation:11]
- Proximity/optical switches for consumer and industrial devices [citation:7]
- Notebook and tablet PC ambient light management [citation:14]
Reliable and Compact A robust shortrange detection solution for proximity and light sensing
Easy I2C Integration Simple 2wire communication with Arduino
√ 16-bit proximity and ambient light digital output
√ Programmable IR LED drive current
√ Low standby current consumption
Troubleshooting
Sensor not found:
- Ensure I2C address is 0x13
- Check power supply (3-5V for breakout boards)
- Verify SDA/SCL connections
Weak proximity readings:
- Increase LED drive current (up to 200mA)
- Ensure object is within 10-150mm range [citation:8][citation:15]