VL53L0X Time-of-Flight Laser Distance Sensor — Blue PCB (I2C)
The VL53L0X measures distance using a 940nm infrared VCSEL laser and time-of-flight calculations, giving accurate readings from 30mm to 1200mm regardless of target surface colour or reflectivity. Unlike ultrasonic sensors, it works in a narrow 25-degree cone and is not affected by ambient light or surface absorption. The I2C interface operates at 2.8V internally but this module includes level shifters for direct 3.3V or 5V operation, with a fixed I2C address that can be changed in software.
- 940nm VCSEL laser — eye-safe class 1
- 30mm–1200mm range — up to 2000mm in long-range mode (reduced accuracy)
- I2C interface — default address 0x29, changeable via XSHUT pin
- 3.3V and 5V compatible — onboard level shifters
- Narrow 25° field of view — precise single-point measurement
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor IC | VL53L0X |
| Measurement range | 30mm – 1200mm (standard) |
| Wavelength | 940nm VCSEL laser |
| Interface | I2C (address 0x29) |
| Supply voltage | 3.3V – 5V |
| Field of view | 25° (full angle) |
| Measurement time | ~33ms (default), configurable |
Is the VL53L0X more accurate than an ultrasonic HC-SR04?
For short-range precision (under 500mm), yes. The VL53L0X returns +/-5% accuracy regardless of surface texture or colour. The HC-SR04 struggles with soft or angled surfaces that scatter ultrasound, and its 15° cone picks up interference from adjacent objects. For distances over 1 metre, the HC-SR04 is the more reliable choice.
How do you use multiple VL53L0X sensors on one I2C bus?
All VL53L0X modules share the default address 0x29. To use multiple sensors, connect each XSHUT pin to a separate GPIO. Boot them one at a time: pull XSHUT high for one sensor, assign it a unique I2C address in software, then enable the next. The Adafruit VL53L0X library provides a setAddress() method for this workflow.
Best for
Obstacle avoidance robots, drone altitude hold, 3D printer bed levelling, gesture detection, presence sensing in narrow spaces, liquid level measurement, and any application needing accurate distance measurement in a compact sensor.
Why Kunkune
Shipped from UK stock. 60-day returns, no minimum order. Fast Royal Mail delivery.
Also available as the standard VL53L0X module on a different PCB colour — same sensor IC, same library, same performance.
Buying in bulk? For orders of 10+ units, contact us for trade pricing.
