Sharp GP2Y0D815Z0F Digital Distance Sensor 15cm Breakout:

This small digital distance sensor detects objects between 0.5 and 15 cm (0.2″ and 6″) away. With its quick response time, small size, and low current draw, this sensor is a good choice for non-contact object detection, and our compact carrier PCB makes it easy to integrate into your project.

There are a few millimeters of hysteresis around the maximum range threshold and no hysteresis at the minimum range threshold. Note that these sensors will only tell you if there is an object within the detection range along their narrow lines of sight; they will not tell you how far away the object is.

Some example applications include:

• break-beam sensor or photogate alternative
• non-contact bumper or obstacle detector
• a counter or timer of objects as they pass by

A red LED on the back of the PCB lights when the output is low, indicating that the sensor is detecting something.