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Measuring Distance with a Laser VL53L0X 6-Pin Module and TM1637 Display for Arduino

In this tutorial, we will learn how to measure distance using the VL53L0X laser distance sensor and display the readings on a TM1637 7-segment display. This project combines both components to create a simple yet effective distance measurement tool. The VL53L0X uses laser technology to provide accurate distance readings, while the TM1637 display shows these readings in a user-friendly format.

We will go through the required hardware, wiring instructions, and the code necessary to get everything up and running. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a working distance measurement device that can be used in various applications. For a visual guide, be sure to check the video at (in video at 00:00).

Hardware Explained

The primary components for this project are the VL53L0X laser distance sensor and the TM1637 display module. The VL53L0X is a time-of-flight sensor that measures the distance to an object by emitting a laser beam and calculating the time it takes for the reflection to return. It operates on a voltage range of 2.6V to 3.5V but can also work with 5V thanks to an integrated voltage regulator.

The TM1637 is a display driver that controls a 7-segment LED display. It communicates over a simple 2-wire interface (CLK and DIO), making it easy to connect to an Arduino. The display can show numeric values and is perfect for visualizing the distance measurements from the VL53L0X sensor.

Datasheet Details

• Ensure proper power supply (5V is acceptable).
• Connect the XSHUT pin to avoid leakage with a pull-up resistor.
• Use I2C for communication; connect SDA and SCL appropriately.
• Handle timeouts in the code to avoid unexpected behavior.
• Be mindful of the operating temperature range for accuracy.

Wiring Instructions

To wire the VL53L0X and TM1637 display, start by connecting the VCC pin of the VL53L0X to the 5V pin on the Arduino and the GND pin to a ground pin on the Arduino. Next, connect the SDA pin of the VL53L0X to the A4 pin on the Arduino, which is typically used for I2C data communication. The SCL pin should be connected to the A5 pin on the Arduino, used for the clock signal.

For the TM1637 display, connect the CLK pin to digital pin 2 on the Arduino and the DIO pin to digital pin 3. Finally, connect the XSHUT pin of the VL53L0X to digital pin 12 on the Arduino. Ensure that any unused pins, such as GPIO1 on the VL53L0X, are left unconnected. This setup will allow the Arduino to communicate effectively with both the sensor and the display.

Code Examples & Walkthrough

The code initializes the sensor and display, sets up the I2C communication, and continuously reads the distance measurements. Below is a snippet showing the setup function where the pins are configured and the sensor is initialized:

void setup() {
  pinMode(12, INPUT_PULLUP); // set pin 12 for input
  digitalWrite(12, HIGH); // set pin 12 high (5V)
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Wire.begin(); // I2C communication initialized
  sensor.init(); // distance sensor is initialized
  sensor.setTimeout(500); // time out is set
  sensor.startContinuous(); // type of measurement is set
}

In this setup function, the pin for XSHUT is configured as an input with a pull-up resistor, and the sensor is initialized for continuous range measurement. The serial monitor is also set up to display the distance readings.

Next, the main loop reads the distance and updates the display. Here’s a focused excerpt from the loop function:

void loop() {
  int distance = sensor.readRangeContinuousMillimeters(); // read the distance in mm
  display.setSegments(clearLED); // remove previous value from LED display
  display.showNumberDec(distance, false, 4, 0); // display the distance
  Serial.print("Distance: ");
  Serial.print(distance); // print distance on serial monitor
}

This loop continuously reads the distance from the sensor and updates the TM1637 display with the latest measurement. It also prints the distance to the serial monitor for debugging purposes. If you want to see the full code, it will load below the article.

Demonstration / What to Expect

Upon completing the setup and uploading the code, you should see the distance measured by the VL53L0X displayed on the TM1637. As you move an object closer or further away from the sensor, the displayed value will change accordingly. If you experience any unexpected readings, ensure that the sensor is unobstructed and that the object’s surface is suitable for laser reflection (in video at 09:30).

Common pitfalls include reversed wiring or not properly initializing the sensor, which can lead to timeout errors. Ensure that the correct pins are connected and the sensor is powered adequately for accurate distance measurements.

Images

VL53L0X 200cm range sensor

TM1637 4 digit display module

Arduino wiring for VL53L0X with TM1637 4 digit dispaly

VL53L0X 200cm range sensor

TM1637 4 digit display module

Arduino wiring for VL53L0X with TM1637 4 digit dispaly