TOF050C Time-of-Flight Sensor
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Overview
About TOF050C Time-of-Flight Sensor
📏 TOF050C Sensor Overview
- Range: 0cm to 50cm (Max)
- Interface: I²C digital communication
- Resolution: 1mm accuracy
- Field of View: 25°
- Operating Voltage: 3.0V to 5.0V
- Typical Current: ~40mA
- Infrared Wavelength: 850nm
Check Other sensors modules based on VL6180X Time of Flight Sensor:
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TOF050C Pinout
The TOF050C pinout includes I2C communication pins (SDA, SCL), power supply (VIN, GND), interrupt pin (INT), and shutdown pin (SHUT) for short-range distance measurements up to 50 cm. Based on the VL6180X chip.
Visual Pinout Diagram
Pin Types
Quick Tips
on VL6180X Time-of-Flight sensor chip,Short-range distance measurement: 0 cm to 50 cm,Resolution: 1 mm accuracy,Field of View: 25°
voltage: 3.0V to 5.0V,I2C address: 0x29 (default),IR wavelength: 850 nm
consumption: ~40 mA typical,Integrated ambient light sensor (ALS),Ideal for gesture recognition and proximity detection
Pin Descriptions
| Pin Name | Type | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
1 VIN | Power | Power supply input (3.0V to 5.0V) | Typically 3.3V or 5V |
2 GND | Ground | Ground connection | Common ground |
3 SDA | I2C Data | I2C Serial Data line | Bidirectional data (requires pull-up) |
4 SCL | I2C Clock | I2C Serial Clock line | Clock signal (requires pull-up) |
5 INT | Interrupt | Interrupt output pin | Optional for event-driven measurements |
6 SHUT | Control | Shutdown pin (active low) | Tie high to enable sensor, low to disable |
Wiring TOF050C to ESP32
Connect the TOF050C to your ESP32 via I2C (SDA and SCL pins). This sensor is based on the VL6180X chip and provides short-range distance measurements up to 50 cm with integrated ambient light sensing. Pull-up resistors are typically included on modules.
Visual Wiring Diagram
Connection Status
Protocol
Pin Connections
| TOF050C Pin | Connection | ESP32 Pin | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
1 VIN Required | 3.3V or 5V | Power supply (3.0V to 5.0V) | |
2 GND Required | GND | Ground connection | |
3 SDA Required | GPIO21 | I2C data line (with pull-up) | |
4 SCL Required | GPIO22 | I2C clock line (with pull-up) | |
5 INT Optional | GPIO (optional) | Interrupt output for measurement ready | |
6 SHUT Optional | 3.3V or GPIO | Shutdown control (tie high to enable) |
on VL6180X chip - compatible with VL6180X libraries
sensor: 0-50 cm (best for proximity)
address: 0x29 (same as VL53L0X/VL53L1X)
resistors typically included on module
pin: Tie high (3.3V/5V) to enable sensor
pin can signal measurement ready or threshold alerts
Adafruit_VL6180X library for Arduino/ESP32
ambient light sensor (ALS) included
for gesture recognition in close range
nm IR wavelength (different from VL53 series)
suited for close-range than VL53L0X
replace VL6180X in existing projects
TOF050C Troubleshooting
Common issues and solutions to help you get your sensor working
Common Issues
Issue: Always reads 0 mm.
Solution: Make sure object is more than 2 cm away. This is a known blind zone of the VL6180 chip.
Issue: Sensor not found on I²C bus.
Solution: Check wiring and I²C pull-ups. Ensure SHUT pin is high.
Issue: Sensor unstable or resets frequently.
Solution: Use stable 3.3V/5V power supply capable of handling 40mA or more.
Debugging Tips
Use the Serial Monitor to check for error messages and verify the sensor's output. Add debug prints in your code to track the sensor's state.
Use a multimeter to verify voltage levels and check for continuity in your connections. Ensure the power supply is stable and within the sensor's requirements.
Additional Resources
TOF050C Programming Examples
Ready-to-use code examples for different platforms and frameworks
Wrapping Up TOF050C
The ESP32 TOF050C Time-of-Flight Sensor is a powerful distance sensor that offers excellent performance and reliability. With support for multiple development platforms including Arduino, ESP-IDF, ESPHome, PlatformIO, and MicroPython, it's a versatile choice for your IoT projects.
Best Practices
For optimal performance, ensure proper wiring and follow the recommended configuration for your chosen development platform.
Safety First
Always verify power supply requirements and pin connections before powering up your project to avoid potential damage.
Ready to Start Building?
Now that you have all the information you need, it's time to integrate the TOF050C into your ESP32 project and bring your ideas to life!
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