Sharp GP2Y0A02YK0F Analog Distance Sensor 20-150cm [145]

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 20 cm to 150 cm (8? to 60?); a plot of distance
versus output voltage is shown below.

The GP2Y0A02 uses a 3-pin JST connector that works with our href="http://www.pololu.com/product/1799">3-pin JST cables for Sharp
distance sensors (not included) as shown in the top picture on the
right. It is also simple to solder three wires to the sensor where the
connector pins are mounted (see the lower picture to the right). When
looking at the back, the three connections from left to right are
power, ground, and the output signal.

Feature summary

• operating voltage: 4.5 V to 5.5 V


• average current consumption: 33 mA (typical)


• distance measuring range: 20 cm to 150 cm (8? to 60?)


• output type: analog voltage


• output voltage differential over distance range: 2.0 V
  (typical)


• update period: 38 ± 10 ms


• package size: 29.5 × 13.0 × 21.5 mm (1.16? × 0.5? × 0.85?)


• weight: 4.8 g (0.17 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. The href="http://www.pololu.com/file/download/gp2y0a02yk_e.pdf?file_id=0J156">GP2Y0A02YK
datasheet (703k 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).

Alternative Sharp Distance Sensors

We carry two shorter-range versions of this sensor as well: the href="http://www.pololu.com/product/2464">Sharp GP2Y0A41SK0F analog
distance sensor (4 ? 30 cm) and the href="http://www.pololu.com/product/136">Sharp GP2Y0A21YK0F analog
distance sensor (10 ? 80 cm). These analog distance sensors
have identical packages and pin-outs, making it easy to swap one
version for another should your application requirements change. We
also carry two digital Sharp distance sensors that have lower minimum
detection distances, quicker response times, lower current draws, and
much smaller packages; they are available with a href="http://www.pololu.com/product/1132">5 cm or href="http://www.pololu.com/product/1134">10 cm range and
simply tell you if something is in their detection range, not how far
away it is.