Sensors

BH1750

Digital ambient light sensor module with a simple I2C interface.

China-madeROHMActiveModerate

Best For

Projects needing Light and I2C 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

BH1750 is indexed as a sensors part from ROHM. 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

MeasurementAmbient lightSource: ROHM
InterfaceI2CSource: ROHM
Working Voltage2.4V - 3.6VSource: ROHM

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

Interfaces
I2C
Wireless
None
Voltage
3.3V
Libraries
Arduino verifiedMicroPython verified
Data Integrity82% confidence
Sourcehttps://www.rohm.com/
Last verified2026-05-20
Core specsVerified
PinoutAvailable
Library supportChecked
Price rangePresent
Found a wrong spec?

Every field is meant to be source-backed. Corrections should include a datasheet URL, vendor page, module photo, or reproducible library test.

Submit correction

Source Resources

Pinout Table

VCC3.3VPower the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.
GNDCommon groundConnect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.
SDAMCU I2C dataUse pull-ups appropriate for the board voltage; many modules already include them.
SCLMCU I2C clockKeep wiring short for breadboard prototypes and lower bus speed if unstable.

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

VCC

Power the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.

GND

Connect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.

SDA

Use pull-ups appropriate for the board voltage; many modules already include them.

SCL

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("BH1750 I2C wiring smoke test");
}

void loop() {
  // Replace this with the maintained BH1750 library call.
  Serial.println("Check BH1750 on the I2C bus, then read a sample.");
  delay(1000);
}

MicroPython Example

from machine import Pin, I2C
import time

i2c = I2C(0, scl=Pin(1), sda=Pin(0), freq=100000)
print("BH1750 I2C devices:", i2c.scan())

while True:
    # Replace with the maintained BH1750 driver call.
    print("read BH1750 sample")
    time.sleep(1)

Recommended Development Boards

ESP32-C3 development board

Low-cost Wi-Fi/BLE board with enough interfaces for most sensors and modules.

Arduino Uno R4 / compatible

Good baseline for beginner wiring and library validation.

Raspberry Pi Pico W

Practical MicroPython target for I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, and ADC experiments.

Alternative Model Reasons

ACS712SensorsCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
ADXL345SensorsThis alternative currently has stronger source coverage and confidence in ChipScout.
AHT10SensorsCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
AHT20SensorsCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.

Common Questions

What is BH1750 best used for?

Projects needing Light and I2C with a commonly available sensors part.

Does BH1750 support Arduino or MicroPython?

BH1750 has verified Arduino support and verified MicroPython support.

What interfaces does BH1750 use?

BH1750 lists I2C; wireless support is no wireless protocol.

Compare BH1750 vs ACS712

Alternatives and Related Parts