Sensors
APDS-9960
Gesture, proximity, ambient light, and RGB sensor often used for contactless controls.
Best For
Projects needing Gesture and Proximity with a commonly available sensors part.
Avoid If
You need production-grade certainty without checking the exact module vendor, pinout, and library maintenance status.
Quick Decision Notes
APDS-9960 is indexed as a sensors part from Broadcom. ChipScout tracks it by practical maker-facing dimensions: interfaces, library readiness, estimated price, field-level sources, and whether the page is strong enough for selection rather than only lookup.
Technical Specifications
Common Use Cases
- Maker prototypes
- Low-cost modules
- Educational hardware
Known Issues
- Breakout boards may use different pin labels or regulator choices
- Clone modules can differ from the original datasheet part
Interfaces and Library Support
Every field is meant to be source-backed. Corrections should include a datasheet URL, vendor page, module photo, or reproducible library test.
Submit correctionSource Resources
Pinout Table
Pinout is not yet source-verified. Use the table as an integration checklist, then confirm exact pins against the module vendor page before wiring hardware.
Common Wiring
Power the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.
Connect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.
Use pull-ups appropriate for the board voltage; many modules already include them.
Keep wiring short for breadboard prototypes and lower bus speed if unstable.
Arduino Example
#include <Wire.h>
void setup() {
Serial.begin(115200);
Wire.begin();
Serial.println("APDS-9960 I2C wiring smoke test");
}
void loop() {
// Replace this with the maintained APDS-9960 library call.
Serial.println("Check APDS-9960 on the I2C bus, then read a sample.");
delay(1000);
}MicroPython Example
MicroPython support is pending. Treat community scripts as prototypes until a maintained driver is linked and tested on a known development board.
Recommended Development Boards
Low-cost Wi-Fi/BLE board with enough interfaces for most sensors and modules.
Good baseline for beginner wiring and library validation.
Practical MicroPython target for I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, and ADC experiments.
Alternative Model Reasons
Common Questions
What is APDS-9960 best used for?
Projects needing Gesture and Proximity with a commonly available sensors part.
Does APDS-9960 support Arduino or MicroPython?
APDS-9960 has verified Arduino support and MicroPython support pending verification.
What interfaces does APDS-9960 use?
APDS-9960 lists I2C; wireless support is no wireless protocol.
Alternatives and Related Parts
ACS712
Allegro MicroSystems
Hall-effect current sensor module used for AC/DC current measurement projects.
ADXL345
Analog Devices
3-axis digital accelerometer with broad maker library support.
AHT10
Aosong
I2C temperature and humidity sensor commonly sold as a compact low-cost breakout.
AHT20
Aosong
Popular Chinese I2C temperature and humidity sensor used as a low-cost SHT-series alternative.