Description: This is the SparkFun “Time-of-Flight” Range Finder, a sensor board for
the VL6180 distance sensor. Unlike most distance sensors that rely on reflected light
intensity or reflected angles to determine range, the VL6180 uses a precise clock to
measure the time it takes light to bounce back from a surface. This affords the ToF
Range Finder and VL6180 a great benefit over other methods because it can be much
more accurate and more immune to noise. Does this technology sound familiar? Well
it should, it’s the same means cellphones use to detect when the caller is holding their
phone to their ear.
The VL6180 is actually a 3-in-1 package that combines an IR emitter, a range sensor,
and an ambient light sensor together for you to easily use and communicate with via
an I2C interface. The ToF Range Finder is very similar to its breakout cousin with a few
important differences. What sets this board apart is this sensor is equipped with an
on-board 2.8V regulator, which means if you were to plug in a voltage higher than 2.8V
it will be shifted down without worry of damaging your board! Another thing to note is
the form factor of the sensor itself. Many small robotics platforms have integrated hole
patterns for the long time favorite Sharp IR sensor line. This allows the VL6180 Sensor
to be a near drop-in replacement for most Sharp sensors.
Note: Though the datasheet states the VL6180 measures an absolute range of up to
10cm, we have successfully tested it up to 25cm. The more you know.
Features:
- 2.8V Regulator - Provides the required 2.8V for the sensor
- I2C Level Shifter - Provides logic level conversion from 2.8V to VCC
- 3-in-1 Module
- IR Emitter
- Range Sensor
- Ambient Light Sensor
- Measures absolute range up to 10cm
- Gesture Recognition
- I2C Interface
- Two Programmable GPIO
- Sharp Sensor Board Layout
Documents:
Login
Maximize 
