Login|Register|Cart

GY-530 VL53L0X-Purple laser ranging sensor

SKU: FA3021-12
Sensor IC

STMicroelectronics VL53L0X
Measurement Range

3cm – 200cm (up to 2m)
Laser Wavelength

940nm (invisible infrared)
Interface

I²C (default address 0x29)
Operating Voltage

3.3V – 5V DC (onboard regulator)
Measurement Accuracy

±3% typical (millimeter-level)
Laser Class

Class 1 (eye-safe)
Pin Count

4 pins (VCC, GND, SDA, SCL)

The GY-530 VL53L0X-Purple Laser Ranging Sensor is a compact, high-precision Time-of-Flight (ToF) distance measurement module built around the STMicroelectronics VL53L0X sensor IC. It uses 940nm infrared laser technology to measure absolute distances from 3cm to 200cm with millimeter-level accuracy, making it a superior alternative to ultrasonic sensors for robotics, automation, and DIY electronics projects.

At the heart of the module is the VL53L0X, a fully integrated ToF sensor that emits invisible 940nm infrared laser pulses and measures the time required for the light to reflect back from a target object. This Time-of-Flight principle enables the sensor to measure absolute distance regardless of the target‘s color, surface texture, or reflectivity. Unlike ultrasonic sensors that are affected by soft, angled, or irregular surfaces, and unlike IR proximity sensors that depend on reflected intensity, the VL53L0X delivers consistent, reliable readings across a wide range of targets.

The GY-530 version features a distinctive purple PCB and includes an onboard voltage regulator and I²C level shifter, allowing direct connection to both 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers without external components. The module uses a single I²C interface supporting standard mode (100kHz) and fast mode (400kHz), with a default I²C address of 0x29 (7-bit). The sensor supports up to 4 different I²C addresses via software configuration, enabling multiple VL53L0X modules on the same bus for multi-zone sensing applications.

The module features a 4-pin interface (VCC, GND, SDA, SCL) for straightforward wiring. The compact form factor with mounting holes allows easy integration into robot chassis, sensor arrays, and custom enclosures. The laser class is Class 1, meaning it is completely eye-safe under normal use, with no special safety precautions required.

The VL53L0X is widely used in obstacle avoidance robots, drone altitude control, automatic door systems, presence detection, liquid level sensing, gesture recognition, camera autofocus systems, vacuum cleaner navigation, and educational STEM projects. It is also popular in IoT devices and wearable technology where precise, fast distance measurement is required.

Important Note: The VL53L0X uses laser light for measurement, which can pass through transparent objects (glass, clear plastic) without reflecting, so it may not detect them reliably. The maximum range of 200cm is achievable in low-ambient-light conditions; bright sunlight can reduce the effective range. The module is not waterproof and should be kept dry. For best results, use the ST VL53L0X API library or Pololu VL53L0X library available for Arduino and Raspberry Pi.

Whether you are building an obstacle-avoidance robot, a drone with altitude hold, or a precision distance measurement system, the GY-530 VL53L0X-Purple Laser Ranging Sensor provides a reliable, accurate solution. It is suitable for individual makers, students, and businesses purchasing in bulk for product development or educational programs.

Features

  • VL53L0X Time-of-Flight sensor — Accurate distance measurement from 3cm to 200cm

  • 940nm infrared laser — Invisible, eye-safe Class 1 laser operation

  • Millimeter precision — Independent of target color and reflectivity

  • I²C interface — Standard (100kHz) and fast (400kHz) modes

  • Multi-sensor capable — Up to 4 VL53L0X modules on one I²C bus

  • 3.3V/5V compatible — Onboard voltage regulator and level shifter

  • Purple PCB design — Easy identification in your project

  • Compact form factor — With mounting holes for easy integration

  • 4-pin interface — VCC, GND, SDA, SCL for simple connection

  • Wide application range — Obstacle avoidance, drone altitude, presence detection, gesture recognition

Technical Specifications 

# Parameter Specification
1 Sensor IC STMicroelectronics VL53L0X
2 Measurement Range 3cm – 200cm (up to 2m)
3 Laser Wavelength 940nm (invisible infrared)
4 Interface I²C (default address 0x29)
5 Operating Voltage 3.3V – 5V DC (onboard regulator)
6 Measurement Accuracy ±3% typical (millimeter-level)
7 Laser Class Class 1 (eye-safe)
8 Pin Count 4 pins (VCC, GND, SDA, SCL)

Usage

Getting Started

  1. Connect power — Supply 3.3V or 5V DC to the VCC pin and GND to ground. The module includes an onboard regulator for 5V compatibility.

  2. Connect I²C lines — Connect SDA to your microcontroller‘s I²C data line and SCL to the I²C clock line:

    • Arduino Uno: SDA → A4, SCL → A5

    • ESP32: SDA → GPIO21, SCL → GPIO22 (default)

    • ESP8266: SDA → D2, SCL → D1

    • Raspberry Pi: SDA → GPIO2, SCL → GPIO3

  3. Install the library — Install the VL53L0X library by Pololu or Adafruit VL53L0X library through the Arduino Library Manager.

  4. Upload a test sketch — Initialize the sensor and read distance values. The library provides simple functions for continuous or single-shot measurement.

  5. Implement control logic — Use the distance readings for obstacle avoidance, presence detection, or altitude control in your application.

Pin Connections

Module Pin Function
VCC Power (3.3V–5V)
GND Ground
SDA I²C Data
SCL I²C Clock

I²C Address Configuration

Address Configuration
0x29 Default (7-bit)
Custom Up to 4 addresses via software

Example Arduino Code

cpp
#include <Wire.h>
#include <VL53L0X.h>

VL53L0X sensor;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Wire.begin();

  sensor.init();
  sensor.setTimeout(500);
  sensor.startContinuous();
}

void loop() {
  Serial.print("Distance: ");
  Serial.print(sensor.readRangeContinuousMillimeters());
  Serial.println(" mm");
  delay(100);
}

Typical Applications

  • Obstacle avoidance robots — Detect objects in the robot’s path

  • Drone altitude control — Maintain consistent height above ground

  • Automatic doors — Detect approaching people

  • Presence detection — Monitor room occupancy

  • Liquid level sensing — Measure liquid surface without contact

  • Gesture recognition — Detect hand movements for interactive devices

  • Camera autofocus — Assist focus systems with distance data

  • Vacuum cleaner navigation — Map rooms and avoid obstacles

  • Educational STEM projects — Teaching ToF sensing and I²C communication

Notes for Business Buyers

  • Superior to ultrasonic — Faster, more accurate, and unaffected by target color or texture.

  • Class 1 laser — Eye-safe, no special safety precautions required.

  • Multi-sensor capable — Up to 4 modules on one I²C bus for multi-zone sensing.

  • Suitable for bulk purchasing — Ideal for robotics manufacturers, IoT product developers, and educational institutions.

Q: What is the GY-530 VL53L0X-Purple Laser Ranging Sensor used for?

It is a high-precision Time-of-Flight distance sensor for obstacle avoidance, drone altitude control, presence detection, gesture recognition, and educational STEM projects.

Q: What is the measurement range and accuracy?

The module measures from 3cm to 200cm with millimeter-level precision and ±3% typical accuracy.

Q: What is the difference between VL53L0X and ultrasonic sensors?

The VL53L0X uses laser light for measurement, making it faster, more accurate, and unaffected by target color or texture. Ultrasonic sensors use sound waves and can be affected by soft, angled, or irregular surfaces.

Q: Is the laser safe for the eyes?

Yes. The module uses a Class 1 laser at 940nm, which is eye-safe under normal use. No special safety precautions are required.

Q: What is the I²C address?

The default I²C address is 0x29 (7-bit). The sensor supports up to 4 different addresses via software configuration.

Q: Can I connect multiple VL53L0X modules to one I²C bus?

Yes. Up to 4 modules can be connected on the same I²C bus by assigning different addresses.

Q: What voltage does the module require?

It operates from 3.3V or 5V DC thanks to its onboard voltage regulator and level shifter.

Q: Can the sensor detect transparent objects?

Not reliably. The laser light can pass through glass and clear plastic without reflecting, so the sensor may not detect them. Test with your specific target.

Q: Is the module waterproof?

No. The module is not waterproof and should be kept dry.

Q: Can I purchase in bulk for a product development project?

Yes. This module is suitable for both individual users and business purchasing, including robotics manufacturers, IoT product developers, and educational institutions.

Related products