Sharp GP2Y0A21YK0F Analog Distance Sensor 10-80cm

5.500 KD

Overview

The Sharp distance sensors are a popular choice for many projects that require accurate distance measurements. This IR sensor is more economical than sonar rangefinders, yet it provides much better performance than other IR alternatives. Interfacing to most microcontrollers is straightforward: the single analog output can be connected to an analog-to-digital converter for taking distance measurements, or the output can be connected to a comparator for threshold detection. The detection range of this version is approximately 10 cm to 80 cm (4″ to 32″); a plot of distance versus output voltage is shown below.

Feature summary

operating voltage: 4.5 V to 5.5 V
average current consumption: 30 mA (typical)
distance measuring range: 10 cm to 80 cm (4″ to 32″)
output type: analog voltage
output voltage differential over distance range: 1.9 V (typical)
update period: 38 ± 10 ms
package size: 29.5 × 13.0 × 13.5 mm (1.16″ × 0.5″ × 0.53″)
weight: 3.5 g (0.12 oz)

Linearizing the output

The relationship between the sensor’s output voltage and the inverse of the measured distance is approximately linear over the sensor’s usable range. TheGP2Y0A21YK datasheet (374k pdf) contains a plot of analog output voltage as a function of the inverse of distance to a reflective object. You can use this plot to convert the sensor output voltage to an approximate distance by constructing a best-fit line that relates the inverse of the output voltage (V) to distance (cm). In its simplest form, the linearizing equation can be that the distance to the reflective object is approximately equal to a constant scale factor (~27 V*cm) divided by the sensor’s output voltage. Adding a constant distance offset and modifying the scale factor can improve the fit of this line.