VL53L0X with ESP32

Specifications

Power and logic levels

3.3 V: safe to connect directly

ESP32 pins, including those on a display board's connectors, work at 3.3 V and are not 5 V tolerant. Modules differ, so if in doubt, measure the signal before you connect it.

Wiring

Arduino code

#include <Wire.h>
#include <Adafruit_VL53L0X.h>

const int SDA_PIN = 8, SCL_PIN = 9;   // use your board's I2C pins
Adafruit_VL53L0X lox;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Wire.begin(SDA_PIN, SCL_PIN);
  if (!lox.begin(VL53L0X_I2C_ADDR, false, &Wire)) {
    Serial.println("VL53L0X not found: check wiring");
    while (true) delay(1000);
  }
}

void loop() {
  VL53L0X_RangingMeasurementData_t m;
  lox.rangingTest(&m, false);
  if (m.RangeStatus != 4) Serial.printf("%d mm\n", m.RangeMilliMeter);
  else Serial.println("Out of range");
  delay(200);
}

Needs the Adafruit_VL53L0X library. Compiled for ESP32-S3 with arduino-esp32 3.x. Not yet tested by us on a physical sensor. Change the pins to match your board.

On a display

Read the value in your sketch and pass it to a label, or send it over MQTT and show it with an MQTT value in the editor.

Boards with a ready connector

Only boards whose connectors we have surveyed. Others may still work on free GPIOs.

Good to know

• All sensors start at 0x29. Several need XSHUT pins.
• Dark surfaces and sunlight reduce range.
• The bare chip is 2.8 V. Use a module with a regulator.
• For longer range, consider a larger ultrasonic or laser module.

What it is good for

• Hand gesture and presence triggers
• Short-range level sensing
• Small robots

FAQ

Sources

• https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-vl53l0x-micro-lidar-distance-sensor-breakout?view=all

Related parts

• HC-SR04
• MPU6050