The SmartElex Proximity Sensor Breakout is a simple IR presence and ambient light sensor utilizing the VCNL4040. This type of sensor is often seen in automatic towel and soap dispensers or automatic faucets. With the ability to detect objects qualitatively up to 20cm away, you will be able to detect if something is there and if it is closer or further away since the last reading. No soldering is required to connect it to the rest of your system. However, we still have broken out 0.1″-spaced pins in case you prefer to use a breadboard.

The SmartElex Proximity Sensor Breakout is a great digital alternative to the popular analog based Sharp sensors. The VCNL4040 has no dead zone and can read all the way up to the face of the sensor. This sensor also has an ambient light sensor built it which is excellent if you need a digital light sensor for your next glitter cannon.

Note: The I²C address of the VCNL4040 is 0x60 and is hardware defined. A multiplexer/Mux is required to communicate to multiple VCNL4040 sensors on a single bus.

Features:

1. Qualitative Detection Range: 20cm
2. Integrated Modules: Infrared Emitter (IRED), Ambient Light Sensor (ALS), Proximity Sensor (PS)
3. Operates ALS and PS in Parallel Structure
4. No Dead Zone
5. Operating Voltage: 3.3V
6. I²C Address: 0x60