NEW PRODUCT – Adafruit VCNL4200 Long Distance IR Proximity and Light Sensor – STEMMA QT

We’ve all been there. That thing is close but how close? When you need to measure a meter-or-so distance with reasonable accuracy, the VCNL4200 Long Distance Proximity Sensor from Vishay can do that for you. It’s excellent for robotic or motion-detection situations. And. if perchance you also needed to measure the amount of light at the same time, you’re in luck! The VCNL4200 can do that too, with it’s built in ambient light sensor (ALS)

The VCNL4200 is a powerful two-in-one sensor, with a proximity sensor that works from 0 to 1.5m (59 inches) and light sensor with range of 0.003 to 1570 lux. It’s the longest-range IR distance sensor we’ve seen other than the Sharp Analog distance sensors, and at a great price with I2C interface. Note that while the chip itself is specced for 1.5 meter distance measurements, that depends a bit on optimal lighting situations and high power configuration. We’ve found that 50-100cm is a good range to expect, and you won’t get a lot of accuracy/precision as the detection object gets farther away. We normally suggest ToF sensors for long precision measurements, but sometimes you want the low cost and simplicity of infrared. Also, you get a ‘free’ light sensor which ToF sensors don’t contain.