Arduino Distance Measurement Using VL53L0X Time-of-Flight Sensor & I2C LCD

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Project Overview

In this project, we interface a VL53L0X Time-of-Flight (ToF) distance sensor with Arduino and display the measured distance on a 16×2 I2C LCD in centimeters.

The VL53L0X uses laser-based infrared sensing, possibly making it more accurate than ultrasonic sensors and suitable for robotics, obstacle detection, and automation projects.

Components Required

  • Arduino UNO / Nano
  • VL53L0X Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor (pins: VIN, GND, SDA, SCL)
  • 16×2 I2C LCD Display
  • Jumper wires
  • USB cable
  • Breadboard

How VL53L0X Works (Short Explanation)

  • Emits an infrared laser pulse
  • Measures the time taken for light to reflect back
  • Calculates distance using time-of-flight
  • Communicates via I2C protocol

Measurement unit: millimeters (converted to centimeters in code)

Wiring Connections:

VL53L0X Sensor → Arduino

VL53L0X PinArduino Pin
VIN5V
GNDGND
SDAA4
SCLA5

I2C LCD → Arduino

LCD PinArduino Pin
VCC5V
GNDGND
SDAA4
SCLA5

Please note :- Both devices share the same I2C bus (SDA & SCL).

Required Libraries

Install these libraries using Arduino Library Manager:

  1. Adafruit VL53L0X
  2. LiquidCrystal_I2C

Arduino Code

#include <Wire.h>
#include <Adafruit_VL53L0X.h>
#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>

// Change LCD address if required: 0x27 or 0x3F
LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27, 16, 2);

// Create VL53L0X object
Adafruit_VL53L0X lox = Adafruit_VL53L0X();

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

  // Initialize LCD
  lcd.init();
  lcd.backlight();
  lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
  lcd.print("VL53L0X ToF");
  lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
  lcd.print("Initializing");

  // Initialize VL53L0X sensor
  if (!lox.begin()) {
    lcd.clear();
    lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
    lcd.print("Sensor Error!");
    lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
    lcd.print("Check Wiring");
    while (1);
  }

  delay(2000);
  lcd.clear();
}

void loop() {
  VL53L0X_RangingMeasurementData_t measure;

  // Take distance measurement
  lox.rangingTest(&measure, false);

  lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
  lcd.print("Distance:");

  if (measure.RangeStatus != 4) {
    float distance_cm = measure.RangeMilliMeter / 10.0;

    lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
    lcd.print(distance_cm, 1);
    lcd.print(" cm    ");

    Serial.print("Distance: ");
    Serial.print(distance_cm, 1);
    Serial.println(" cm");
  } else {
    lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
    lcd.print("Out of range ");
    Serial.println("Out of range");
  }

  delay(400);
}

Important Notes (Accuracy Tips)

  • Minimum reliable distance: 4 cm
  • Avoid shiny or black objects
  • Keep sensor steady
  • Avoid direct sunlight
  • Short wires improve I2C stability

Applications

  • Obstacle detection robots
  • Distance measurement tools
  • Smart parking systems
  • Automation & IoT projects

Conclusion

This project demonstrates how to interface a VL53L0X ToF sensor with Arduino and display accurate distance values on an I2C LCD. It is a solid foundation for robotics and automation projects.