# Adafruit VL53L1X Time of Flight Distance Sensor
## Overview
The **Adafruit VL53L1X Time of Flight Distance Sensor** (also known as VL53L1CX) is a _Time of Flight_ distance sensor that has a massive 4 meter range and LIDAR-like precision. The sensor contains a very tiny invisible laser source and a matching sensor. The VL53L1X can detect the "time of flight", or how long the light has taken to bounce back to the sensor.
Info:
Since the sensor uses a very narrow light source, it is good for determining the distance of only the surface directly in front of it. Unlike sonar that bounces ultrasonic waves, the 'cone' of sensing is very narrow. Unlike IR distance sensors that try to measure the amount of light bounced, the VL53L1X is much more precise and doesn't have linearity problems or 'double imaging' where you can't tell if an object is very far or very close.
This is the 'next generation' of the [VL53L0X ToF sensor](https://www.adafruit.com/products/3317) and can handle about **~30 to 4000mm** of range distance, with up to 50Hz update rate. If you need an even smaller/closer range, check out the [VL6180X](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3316) which can measure 5mm to 200mm and also contains a light sensor.
The sensor is small and easy to use in any robotics or interactive project. Since it needs 2.8V power and logic we put the little fellow on a breakout board with a regulator and level shifting. You can use it with any 3-5V power or logic microcontroller with no worries. Works great with the **3.3V logic level of a Feather or Raspberry Pi, or the 5V level of a Metro 328 or Arduino Uno** , this breakout is ready to work with most common microcontrollers or SBCs. and since it speaks I2C, you can easily connect it up with two data wires plus power and ground.
As if that weren't enough, we've also added[ SparkFun qwiic](https://www.sparkfun.com/qwiic) compatible **[STEMMA QT](https://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-adafruit-stemma-qt)** connectors for the I2C bus **so you don't even need to solder.** Just wire up to your favorite micro with a plug-and-play cable to get ToF data ASAP. For a no-solder experience, [just wire up to your favorite micro, like the STM32F405 Feather](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4382) using a [STEMMA QT adapter cable.](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=stemma%20qt%20cable) The Stemma QT connectors also mean the VL53L1X can be used with our [various associated accessories.](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=JST%20SH%204) [QT Cable is not included, but we have a variety in the shop](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=stemma+qt+cable&sort=BestMatch)
Communicating to the sensor is done over I2C with an API written by ST, so it's not too hard to port it to your favorite microcontroller. [We've written a wrapper library for Arduino so you can use it with any of your Arduino-compatible boards](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_VL53L1X).
## Removing the Protective Tape
Warning:
Using tweezers (or some other appropriate tool), CAREFULLY remove the protective tape over the sensor, as seen in the image below. There is a small tab on the side of the tape that you can use to remove it.
- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-vl53l1x/pinouts.md)
## Primary Products
### Adafruit VL53L1X Time of Flight Distance Sensor - ~30 to 4000mm
[Adafruit VL53L1X Time of Flight Distance Sensor - ~30 to 4000mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3967)
The **Adafruit VL53L1X Time of Flight Distance Sensor** (also known as VL53L1CX) is a _Time of Flight_ distance sensor that has a massive 4 meter range and LIDAR-like precision. The sensor contains a very tiny invisible laser source and a matching sensor....
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3967)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3967/guides)
## Featured Products
### STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-Pin Cable - 50mm Long
[STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-Pin Cable - 50mm Long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4399)
This 4-wire cable is 50mm / 1.9" long and fitted with JST SH female 4-pin connectors on both ends. Compared with the chunkier JST PH these are 1mm pitch instead of 2mm, but still have a nice latching feel, while being easy to insert and remove.
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4399)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4399/guides)
### STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-pin Cable - 100mm Long
[STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-pin Cable - 100mm Long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4210)
This 4-wire cable is a little over 100mm / 4" long and fitted with JST-SH female 4-pin connectors on both ends. Compared with the chunkier JST-PH these are 1mm pitch instead of 2mm, but still have a nice latching feel, while being easy to insert and remove.
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4210)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4210/guides)
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