# Adafruit VL53L4CD Time of Flight Distance Sensor
## Overview
The **Adafruit VL53L4CD Time of Flight Sensor** is another great _Time of Flight_ distance sensor from ST in the VL5 series of chips, this one is great for shorter distances. The sensor contains a very tiny invisible laser source and a matching sensor. The VL53L4CD can detect the "time of flight", or how long the light has taken to bounce back to the sensor. Since it uses a very narrow light source, it is good for determining distance of only the surface directly in front of it.
Unlike sonars that bounce ultrasonic waves, the 'cone' of sensing is very narrow. Unlike IR distance sensors which try to measure the amount of light bounced, the VL53 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.
Info:
This is another 'big sister' of the [VL6180X ToF sensor](https://www.adafruit.com/products/3316) and can handle about ~1 to 1300mm of range distance: basically it combines the short range of the VL6180X in that it can sense up to the body of the sensor, with the increased range of the [VL53L0X](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3317), which can handle about 50mm to 1200mm of range distance.
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 VL53L4CD 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, [they have an Arduino library with an example for communication here](https://github.com/stm32duino/VL53L4CD).
## 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.
# Adafruit VL53L4CD Time of Flight Distance Sensor
## Pinouts
Info:
## Power Pins
- **VIN** - This is the power pin. To power the board, give it the same power as the logic level of your microcontroller - e.g. for a 3V microcontroller like a Feather M4, use 3V, or for a 5V microcontroller like Arduino, use 5V.
- **GND** - This is common ground for power and logic.
## I2C Logic Pins
The default I2C address for the VL53L4CD is **0x29**.
- **SCL** - I2C clock pin, connect to your microcontroller I2C clock line. There's a **10K pullup** on this pin.
- **SDA** - I2C data pin, connect to your microcontroller I2C data line. There's a **10K pullup** on this pin.
- [**STEMMA QT**](https://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-adafruit-stemma-qt) ** -** These connectors allow you to connect to development boards with **STEMMA QT** connectors or to other things with [various associated accessories](https://www.adafruit.com/category/619).
## Other Pins
- **GPIO** - This is the interrupt output pin, it is 2.8V logic level output - it can be read by 3.3V and most 5V logic microcontrollers.
- **XSHUT** - This is the shutdown pin. It is active low, and is logic-level shifted so you can use 3V or 5V logic.
## LED Jumper
- **LED jumper** - This jumper is located on the back of the board. Cut the trace on this jumper to cut power to the "on" LED.
# Adafruit VL53L4CD Time of Flight Distance Sensor
## Python & CircuitPython
It's easy to use the **VL53L4CD** with Python or CircuitPython, and the [Adafruit CircuitPython VL53L4CD](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_VL53L4CD) module. This module allows you to easily write Python code that reads the distance from the **VL53L4CD** sensor.
You can use this sensor with any CircuitPython microcontroller board or with a computer that has GPIO and Python [thanks to Adafruit\_Blinka, our CircuitPython-for-Python compatibility library](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-on-raspberrypi-linux).
## CircuitPython Microcontroller Wiring
First wire up a VL53L4CD to your board exactly as shown below. Here's an example of wiring a Feather M4 to the sensor with I2C using one of the handy [**STEMMA QT**](https://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-adafruit-stemma-qt) connectors:
- **Board 3V** to **sensor VIN (red wire)**
- **Board GND** to **sensor GND (black wire)**
- **Board SCL** to **sensor SCL (yellow wire)**
- **Board SDA** to **sensor SDA (blue wire)**
You can also use the standard **0.100" pitch** headers to wire it up on a breadboard:
- **Board 3V** to **sensor VIN (red wire)**
- **Board GND** to **sensor GND (black wire)**
- **Board SCL** to **sensor SCL (yellow wire)**
- **Board SDA** to **sensor SDA (blue wire)**
## Python Computer Wiring
Since there's _dozens_ of Linux computers/boards you can use, we will show wiring for Raspberry Pi. For other platforms, [please visit the guide for CircuitPython on Linux to see whether your platform is supported](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-on-raspberrypi-linux).
Here's the Raspberry Pi wired to the sensor using I2C and a [**STEMMA QT**](https://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-adafruit-stemma-qt) connector:
- **Pi 3V** to **sensor VIN (red wire)**
- **Pi GND** to **sensor GND (black wire)**
- **Pi SCL** to **sensor SCL (yellow wire)**
- **Pi SDA** to **sensor SDA (blue wire)**
Finally here is an example of how to wire up a Raspberry Pi to the sensor using a solderless breadboard:
- **Pi 3V** to **sensor VIN (red wire)**
- **Pi GND** to **sensor GND (black wire)**
- **Pi SCL** to **sensor SCL (yellow wire)**
- **Pi SDA** to **sensor SDA (blue wire)**
## Python Installation of VL53L4CD Library
You'll need to install the **Adafruit\_Blinka** library that provides the CircuitPython support in Python. This may also require enabling I2C on your platform and verifying you are running Python 3. [Since each platform is a little different, and Linux changes often, please visit the CircuitPython on Linux guide to get your computer ready](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-on-raspberrypi-linux)!
Once that's done, from your command line run the following command:
- `pip3 install adafruit-circuitpython-vl53l4cd`
If your default Python is version 3, you may need to run `pip` instead. Make sure you aren't trying to use CircuitPython on Python 2.x, it isn't supported!
## CircuitPython Usage
To use with CircuitPython, you need to first install the VL53L4CD library, and its dependencies, into the **lib** folder on your **CIRCUITPY** drive. Then you need to update **code.py** with the example script.
Thankfully, we can do this in one go. In the example below, click the **Download Project Bundle** button below to download the necessary libraries and the **code.py** file in a zip file. Extract the contents of the zip file, and copy the **entire** **lib** **folder** and the **code.py** file to your **CIRCUITPY** drive.
Your **CIRCUITPY/lib** folder should contain the following folder and file:
- **adafruit\_bus\_device/**
- **adafruit\_vl53l4cd.mpy**
## Python Usage
Once you have the library `pip3` installed on your computer, copy or download the following example to your computer, and run the following, replacing **code.py** with whatever you named the file:
`python3 code.py`
## Example Code
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_VL53L4CD/blob/main/examples/vl53l4cd_simpletest.py
**If running CircuitPython:** Once everything is saved to the **CIRCUITPY** drive, [connect to the serial console](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/kattni-connecting-to-the-serial-console) to see the data printed out!
**If running Python:** The console output will appear wherever you are running Python.
Now try holding your hand in front of the sensor, and moving it closer and further away to see the values change!
First you import the necessary modules and libraries. Then you instantiate the sensor on I2C.
Then you're ready to read data from the sensor, including the initial information printed to the serial console.
Finally, inside the loop, you check the distance every second.
That's all there is to using the VL53L4CD with CircuitPython!
# Adafruit VL53L4CD Time of Flight Distance Sensor
## Python Docs
# Adafruit VL53L4CD Time of Flight Distance Sensor
## Arduino
Using the VL53L4CD with Arduino involves wiring up the sensor to your Arduino-compatible microcontroller, installing the [STM32duino VL53L4CD](https://github.com/stm32duino/VL53L4CD) library and running the provided example code.
## Wiring
Wire as shown for a **5V** board like an Uno. If you are using a **3V** board, like an Adafruit Feather, wire the board's 3V pin to the VL53L4CD VIN.
Here is an Adafruit Metro wired up to the VL53L4CD using the STEMMA QT connector:
- **Board 5V** to **sensor** **VIN (red wire)**
- **Board GND** to **sensor** **GND (black wire)**
- **Board SCL** to **sensor** **SCL (yellow wire)**
- **Board SDA** to **sensor** **SDA (blue wire)**
Here is an Adafruit Metro wired up using a solderless breadboard:
- **Board 5V** to **sensor** **VIN (red wire)**
- **Board GND** to **sensor** **GND (black wire)**
- **Board SCL** to **sensor** **SCL (yellow wire)**
- **Board SDA** to **sensor** **SDA (blue wire)**
## Library Installation
You can install the **VL53L4CD** library for Arduino using the Library Manager in the Arduino IDE.
Click the **Manage Libraries ...** menu item, search for **VL53L4CD** , and select the **STM32duino VL53L4CD** library:
## Load Example
Open up **File** **-\> Examples -\> STM32duino VL53L4CD -\> VL53L4CD\_Sat\_HelloWorld** and upload to your Arduino wired to the sensor.
Info:
Upload the sketch to your board and open up the Serial Monitor ( **Tools -\> Serial Monitor** ) at 115200 baud. You should see the values from the sensor being printed out.
# Adafruit VL53L4CD Time of Flight Distance Sensor
## Arduino Docs
# Adafruit VL53L4CD Time of Flight Distance Sensor
## WipperSnapper
## What is WipperSnapper
WipperSnapper is a firmware designed to turn any WiFi-capable board into an Internet-of-Things device without programming a single line of code. WipperSnapper connects to [Adafruit IO](https://io.adafruit.com/), a web platform designed ([by Adafruit!](https://www.adafruit.com/about)) to _display_, _respond_, and _interact_ with your project's data.
Simply load the WipperSnapper firmware onto your board, add credentials, and plug it into power. Your board will automatically register itself with your Adafruit IO account.
From there, you can add _components_ to your board such as buttons, switches, potentiometers, sensors, and more! Components are _dynamically _added to hardware, so you can immediately start interacting, logging, and streaming the data your projects produce without writing code.
If you've never used WipperSnapper, click below to read through the quick start guide before continuing.
[Quickstart: Adafruit IO WipperSnapper](https://learn.adafruit.com/quickstart-adafruit-io-wippersnapper)
## Wiring
First, wire up an VL53L4CD to your board exactly as follows. Here is an example of the VL53L4CD wired to an [Adafruit ESP32 Feather V2](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5400) using I2C [with a STEMMA QT cable (no soldering required)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4210)
- **Board 3V** to **sensor VIN (red wire on STEMMA QT)**
- **Board GND** to **sensor GND (black wire on STEMMA QT)**
- **Board SCL** to **sensor SCL (yellow wire on STEMMA QT)**
- **Board SDA** to **sensor SDA (blue wire on STEMMA QT)**
## Usage
Connect your board to Adafruit IO Wippersnapper and **[navigate to the WipperSnapper board list](https://io.adafruit.com/wippersnapper).**
On this page, **select the WipperSnapper board you're using** to be brought to the board's interface page.
If you do not see your board listed here - you need [to connect your board to Adafruit IO](https://learn.adafruit.com/quickstart-adafruit-io-wippersnapper) first.
On the device page, quickly **check that you're running the latest version of the WipperSnapper firmware**.
The device tile on the left indicates the version number of the firmware running on the connected board.
- **If the firmware version is green with a checkmark -** continue with this guide.
- **If the firmware version is red with an exclamation mark "!" -** [update to the latest WipperSnapper firmware](https://learn.adafruit.com/quickstart-adafruit-io-wippersnapper) on your board before continuing.
Next, make sure the sensor is plugged into your board and click the ** I2C Scan ** button.
You should see the VL53L4CD's default I2C address of `0x29` pop-up in the I2C scan list.
### I don't see the sensor's I2C address listed!
First, double-check the connection and/or wiring between the sensor and the board.
Then, reset the board and let it re-connect to Adafruit IO WipperSnapper.
With the sensor detected in an I2C scan, you're ready to add the sensor to your board.
**Click the New Component button or the + button** to bring up the component picker.
Adafruit IO supports a large amount of components. To quickly find your sensor, type `VL53L4CD` into the search bar, then select the **VL53L4CD** component.
On the component configuration page, the VL53L4CD's sensor address should be listed along with the sensor's settings.
The **Send Every** option is specific to each sensor's measurements. This option will tell the Feather how often it should read from the VL53L4CD sensor and send the data to Adafruit IO. Measurements can range from every 30 seconds to every 24 hours.
For this example, set the **Send Every ** interval to every 30 seconds.
Your device interface should now show the sensor components you created. After the interval you configured elapses, WipperSnapper will automatically read values from the sensor(s) and send them to Adafruit IO.
To view the data that has been logged from the sensor, click on the graph next to the sensor name.
Here you can see the feed history and edit things about the feed such as the name, privacy, webhooks associated with the feed and more. If you want to learn more about how feeds work, [check out this page](https://learn.adafruit.com/all-the-internet-of-things-episode-four-adafruit-io/advanced-feeds).
# Adafruit VL53L4CD Time of Flight Distance Sensor
## Downloads
## Files
- [VL53L4CD Datasheet](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/109/710/original/vl53l4cd.pdf?1647371523)
- [EagleCAD PCB files on GitHub](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit-VL53L4CD-PCB)
- [3D Models on GitHub](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CAD_Parts/tree/main/5396%20VL53L4CD%20Sensor)
- [Fritzing object in the Adafruit Fritzing Library](https://github.com/adafruit/Fritzing-Library/blob/master/parts/Adafruit%20VL53L4CD.fzpz)
# Schematic and Fab Print
## Primary Products
### Adafruit VL53L4CD Time of Flight Distance Sensor - ~1 to 1300mm
[Adafruit VL53L4CD Time of Flight Distance Sensor - ~1 to 1300mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5396)
The **Adafruit VL53L4CD Time of Flight Sensor** is another great _Time of Flight_ distance sensor from ST in the VL5 series of chips, this one is great for shorter distances. The sensor contains a very tiny invisible laser source and a matching sensor. The...
Out of Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5396/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.
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[JST SH 4-pin Cable with Alligator Clips - STEMMA QT / Qwiic](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4398)
This cable will make it super easy to use our plug-and-play STEMMA QT boards with boards like Circuit Playground. On one end you get a Qwiic / STEMMA QT connector (technically known as a JST SH 4-pin plug) into 4 individual wires with grippy alligator clips. We're carrying these to...
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[STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-Pin Cable - 200mm Long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4401)
This 4-wire cable is a little over 200mm / 7.8" 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.
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This 4-wire cable is a little over 150mm / 6" long and fitted with JST-SH female 4-pin connectors on one end and premium Dupont male headers on the other. 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...
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[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.
Out of Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4210/guides)
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