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Sensors and modules

Distance, LiDAR, environmental, motion, GPS, current and RFID sensor modules for prototypes, robots and home automation.

140 results

About sensors and modules

Most modules here are small breakout boards that wire straight to an Arduino, ESP32 or Raspberry Pi. For distance there are HC-SR04P ultrasonic sensors, waterproof ultrasonic probes, Sharp infrared sensors, VL53-series time-of-flight sensors, and single-point and 360° LiDAR. Environmental sensors cover temperature and humidity (DHT11, DHT22, SHT3x, SHT4x and BME280), CO2, VOC and particulate air quality, water quality and flow, and soil moisture.

You'll also find IMUs such as the MPU-6050 and BNO055, GPS and GNSS receivers, PIR and 24 GHz radar presence sensors, current and voltage monitors, RFID and NFC readers and tags, load cells with HX711 amplifiers, and thermal camera modules. Two checks prevent most problems: the interface (I2C, SPI, UART or analog) and the logic voltage. A 5 V sensor output can damage a 3.3 V board such as an ESP32 or Raspberry Pi, so use a level shifter where they differ.

140 listings today, from $1.98; half cost $11.26 or less.

What to look for

Pick by what you need to measure. Ultrasonic modules such as the HC-SR04 measure distance with sound and are simple to use. Time-of-flight laser sensors such as the VL53L0X are much smaller and measure up to about 2 m. An MPU-6050 combines an accelerometer and a gyroscope for tilt and motion, and TCRT5000 modules let a robot follow a line on the floor.

Specs that matter

Check the interface. I2C modules share two data wires with other devices, analog modules need an analog input pin, and digital ones give a simple on or off signal. Check the supply voltage and logic level too, since some modules are built for 5 V, some for 3.3 V and a few accept both. NFC tags differ mainly in memory: NTAG213, 215 and 216 hold 144, 504 and 888 bytes.

Compatibility tips

A 5 V sensor output can damage a 3.3 V board such as an ESP32 or Raspberry Pi, so use a level shifter or a voltage divider when you mix them. Two I2C modules with the same fixed address can't share one bus without a multiplexer.

Questions about sensors and modules

Will a 5 V sensor work with an ESP32 or Raspberry Pi?
Only if its output stays at 3.3 V. ESP32 and Raspberry Pi pins aren't 5 V tolerant, so a module that outputs 5 V needs a level shifter or a voltage divider. Many breakout boards run from either 3.3 V or 5 V, and the listing says which.
What's the difference between ultrasonic, infrared, ToF and LiDAR distance sensors?
Ultrasonic modules such as the HC-SR04P time an echo; they're cheap and easy to use but have a wide beam. Sharp infrared sensors give an analog voltage over a short range. Time-of-flight sensors such as the VL53L0X time a pulse of laser light from a very small package. LiDAR modules reach further, and 360° LiDAR scanners map a whole room for robot navigation.
Can two I2C sensors share the same pins?
Yes, as long as their addresses differ. Two modules with the same fixed address need an I2C multiplexer such as the TCA9548A, or a board that lets you change one of the addresses.
Can a school or team order a class set?
Yes. Add the quantities you need to your cart and choose Get a printable quote. The quote lists shipping to your postal code and estimated tax, and a school can pay by P-card or email us a purchase order. Our school orders page has the details.
How long does delivery take, and what does shipping cost?
Most parts ship to Canadian addresses directly from our supplier partners, most of them outside Canada, and most orders arrive within 1 to 3 weeks; the product page shows its own estimate. Items marked eligible on their product page ship free once the eligible items in your cart total $20 or more (a cart of many low-priced parts needs more than $20 of them, and the cart shows how much). Until then, and for items that aren't eligible, each item pays its supplier's shipping quote for your address, and checkout shows every charge and the tax before you pay.

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