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

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

β‚Ή849.00Price

πŸ” 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

πŸ‘‰ It is a compact, integrated optical sensing solution.

βš™οΈ Working Principle

1. πŸ“‘ 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=cΓ—t2\text{Distance} = \frac{c \times t}{2}Distance=2cΓ—t​

πŸ‘‰ Provides accurate distance independent of object reflectivity (within limits).

2. 🌞 Ambient Light Sensing

  • Uses an internal photodiode

  • Measures visible light intensity (lux)

πŸ‘‰ Enables dual functionality:

  • Distance + light sensing in one device

πŸ“Š 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

πŸ‘‰ 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

πŸ”— Communication Interface

  • Interface: IΒ²C (two-wire digital communication)

  • Default IΒ²C address: 0x29

πŸ‘‰ Supports configuration and data reading via registers.

🧠 Internal Features

βœ” Integrated Laser Emitter (VCSEL)

  • Uses Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL)

  • Provides:

    • Narrow beam

    • Stable optical output

βœ” Built-in Timing Engine

  • Handles:

    • Pulse generation

    • Return signal timing

  • Ensures precise ToF measurement

βœ” Internal Signal Processing

  • Filters noise and ambient interference

  • Outputs stable distance values

βœ” Interrupt System

  • Can trigger interrupt when:

    • Object is within threshold distance

    • Light exceeds limit

πŸ”„ Operating Behavior

βœ” Distance Measurement

  • Works best in:

    • Short range (0–10 cm)

  • Provides consistent output regardless of surface color (to some extent)

βœ” Surface Dependency

  • Accuracy influenced by:

    • Reflectivity

    • Angle of surface

βœ” Ambient Light Resistance

  • Designed to work under:

    • Indoor lighting

    • Moderate outdoor light

🌑️ Environmental Characteristics

  • Operating temperature: βˆ’20Β°C to +70Β°C

  • Stable under normal environmental conditions

πŸ“¦ Breakout Board Characteristics (Fermion Series)

  • Comes with header pins for easy connection

  • Provides:

    • Power regulation (if included)

    • IΒ²C 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 IΒ²C

  • Is optimized for short-range proximity and gesture detection systems

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