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Introduction

VEML7700 Hookup Guide Banner image

The SparkFun Ambient Light Sensor - VEML7700 (Qwiic) lets you get ambient light readings directly in lux over I2C. The VEML7700 is a high accuracy, 16-bit resolution, digital ambient light sensor in a miniature transparent 6.8 mm x 3.0 mm x 2.5 mm package. It includes a high sensitivity photodiode, low noise amplifier and 16-bit A/D converter.

This guide covers how to get ambient light data from the VEML7700 using both Arduino and MicroPython when connecting the Ambient Light Sensor Breakout to a compatible development board over Qwiic. In order to follow along with this guide you'll need the Ambient Light Sensor - VEML7700 along with the following materials:

If you prefer a soldered connection, you may need one or more of these materials along with a soldering iron and solder:

Topics Covered

This document contains three main sections: Quickstart Guide, Hardware and Software.

The Quickstart Guide assumes a working knowledge of how to use a development board and the required software to program them for your project's needs. It covers a quick assembly and then jumps right into getting the necessary software packages installed to start getting spectral data in just a few short minutes.

The Hardware pages are split into the Hardware Overview and Hardware Assembly. The Hardware Overview provides a detailed overview of the Ambient Light Sensor - VEML7700 along with all the major components included on the board. Refer to this page for information on things like the VEML7700, LEDs, pinout and solder jumpers. The Hardware Assembly page covers how to assemble the breakout in both a Qwiic circuit.

The Software pages are split into sections covering the SparkFun VEML7700 Arduino Library and VEMLx Python driver. Each software page gives instructions on how to download install the software package (Arduino library or Python driver), as well as detailed looks at the examples included in the software packages.

Additional Resources

You'll find the board design files (KiCad files & schematic), relevant documentation (datasheets, white papers, etc.) and other helpful links on the Resources page. Lastly, the Support section includes a Troubleshooting page that includes any helpful tips specific to this board as well as information on how to receive technical support from SparkFun.