Datasheet

Overview

The TSL2561 luminosity sensor is an advanced digital light sensor, ideal for use in a wide range of

light situations. Compared to low cost CdS cells, this sensor is more precise, allowing for exact Lux

calculations and can be configured for different gain/timing ranges to detect light ranges from up to

0.1 - 40,000+ Lux on the fly. The best part of this sensor is that it contains both infrared and full

spectrum diodes! That means you can seperately measure infrared, full-spectrum or human-

visible light. Most sensors can only detect one or the other, which does not accurately represent

what human eyes see (since we cannot perceive the IR light that is detected by most photo diodes).

The sensor has a digital (i2c) interface. You can select one of three addresses so you can have up

to three sensors on one board - each with a different i2c address. The built in ADC means you can

use this with any microcontroller, even if it doesn't have analog inputs. The current draw is

extremely low, so its great for low power data-logging systems. about 0.5mA when actively sensing,

and less than 15 uA when in powerdown mode.