IR Sensor - Sharp 2Y0A71

The Sharp GP2Y0A710K0F (2Y0A71) IR Distance Sensor is a high-performance long-range infrared distance measuring sensor capable of accurately detecting objects from 100 cm up to 550 cm (1 to 5.5 meters). The sensor works by emitting an infrared beam from its built-in IR LED, which reflects off nearby objects and is captured by an integrated PSD (Position Sensitive Detector). The reflected angle is then processed and converted into an analog voltage output that varies with the measured distance.

This extra-long detection range makes the GP2Y0A710K0F an excellent alternative to ultrasonic sensors in applications where IR performance is preferred, such as environments with acoustic noise or soft surfaces that absorb sound waves. The output voltage typically ranges from around 2.5V at 100 cm down to 1.4V at 500 cm, allowing easy interfacing with any microcontroller's ADC pin, including Arduino, ESP32, STM32, and Raspberry Pi (with ADC).

Thanks to its stability, reliability, and ease of integration, this sensor is widely used in robotics, automation, security systems, and obstacle detection applications where mid-to-long-range, non-contact measurement is required.

Specifications

• Model: Sharp GP2Y0A710K0F (2Y0A71)
• Sensor Type: Infrared (IR) Distance Measuring Sensor
• Detection Range: 100 cm to 550 cm (1 m to 5.5 m)
• Output Type: Analog Voltage
• Output Voltage Range: Approx. 2.5V (at 100 cm) to 1.4V (at 500 cm)
• Supply Voltage (Min): 4.5V DC
• Supply Voltage (Max): 5.5V DC
• Recommended Operating Voltage: 5V DC
• Working Current: 50 mA (typical)
• Interface: 5-pin JST connector (VCC, GND, Vo)
• External Width: 58 mm
• External Depth: 22.5 mm
• External Length / Height: 17.6 mm
• SVHC Compliance: No SVHC (RoHS friendly)

Applications

• Mobile Robotics — long-range obstacle detection and avoidance
• Autonomous Vehicles & Drones — proximity sensing and collision prevention
• Industrial Automation — object presence and position detection on conveyor lines
• Security & Surveillance Systems — perimeter monitoring and intrusion detection
• Smart Parking Systems — vehicle distance measurement
• People Counting & Crowd Monitoring — long-range presence detection
• Door & Gate Automation — detecting approaching vehicles or pedestrians
• Liquid Level Measurement — non-contact monitoring in tanks (with reflective surface)
• Educational & Research Projects — robotics labs and university projects
• Touchless Triggering Systems — interactive displays, kiosks, and exhibits