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DFRobot Fermion VL6180X ToF Distance Ranging Sensor (Breakout) with Header

DFRobot Fermion VL6180X ToF Distance Ranging Sensor (Breakout) with Header

₹849.00Price
🔍 Overview
The module is based on the VL6180X time-of-flight proximity sensor IC, an optical distance and ambient light sensor.
  • Measures:
    • Distance (proximity)
    • Ambient light (lux)
  • Uses Time-of-Flight (ToF) laser technology
  • Designed for short-range, high-precision measurements
👉 It is a compact, integrated optical sensing solution.
⚙️ Working Principle
1. 📡 Time-of-Flight Distance Measurement
  • Emits infrared laser pulses
  • Light reflects from object and returns to sensor
  • Measures time delay of return signal
Distance is calculated using:
Distance=c×t2\text{Distance} = \frac{c \times t}{2}Distance=2c×t​
👉 Provides accurate distance independent of object reflectivity (within limits).
2. 🌞 Ambient Light Sensing
  • Uses an internal photodiode
  • Measures visible light intensity (lux)
👉 Enables dual functionality:
  • Distance + light sensing in one device
📊 Measurement Characteristics
Distance (Proximity)
  • Range: ~0 mm to 100 mm (10 cm)
  • Resolution: 1 mm
  • Accuracy: high within short range
Ambient Light
  • Range: ~0.1 lux to 1000+ lux
  • Output: digital lux value
👉 Optimized for very short-distance precision sensing.
⚡ Electrical Characteristics
  • Supply voltage: 2.6V to 3.6V
  • Low power consumption
  • Designed for embedded and portable systems
🔗 Communication Interface
  • Interface: I²C (two-wire digital communication)
  • Default I²C address: 0x29
👉 Supports configuration and data reading via registers.
🧠 Internal Features
✔ Integrated Laser Emitter (VCSEL)
  • Uses Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL)
  • Provides:
    • Narrow beam
    • Stable optical output
✔ Built-in Timing Engine
  • Handles:
    • Pulse generation
    • Return signal timing
  • Ensures precise ToF measurement
✔ Internal Signal Processing
  • Filters noise and ambient interference
  • Outputs stable distance values
✔ Interrupt System
  • Can trigger interrupt when:
    • Object is within threshold distance
    • Light exceeds limit
🔄 Operating Behavior
✔ Distance Measurement
  • Works best in:
    • Short range (0–10 cm)
  • Provides consistent output regardless of surface color (to some extent)
✔ Surface Dependency
  • Accuracy influenced by:
    • Reflectivity
    • Angle of surface
✔ Ambient Light Resistance
  • Designed to work under:
    • Indoor lighting
    • Moderate outdoor light
🌡️ Environmental Characteristics
  • Operating temperature: −20°C to +70°C
  • Stable under normal environmental conditions
📦 Breakout Board Characteristics (Fermion Series)
  • Comes with header pins for easy connection
  • Provides:
    • Power regulation (if included)
    • I²C interface access
  • Compact design for embedded systems
⚠️ Limitations
  • Short range only (max ~10 cm)
  • Performance decreases:
    • Under very strong sunlight
    • With transparent or highly absorbent objects
  • Cannot measure:
    • Long distances
    • Object shape or size
🧩 Functional Role
The module acts as a:
  • Short-range distance sensor
  • Proximity detector
  • Ambient light sensor (secondary function)
🏁 Summary
The DFRobot Fermion VL6180X breakout is a compact, high-precision optical sensor that:
  • Uses ToF laser technology for distance measurement
  • Measures 0–100 mm with millimeter resolution
  • Provides ambient light sensing capability
  • Outputs digital data via I²C
  • Is optimized for short-range proximity and gesture detection systems
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