What Is the BH1750? Digital Light (Lux) Sensor and Uses
The BH1750 is a digital light (lux) sensor over I2C. It gives ambient illuminance directly in lux (1–65535); unlike an LDR it needs no calibration/analog math (address 0x23/0x5C). It is used for automatic brightness, smart lighting and light measurement; its spectral response is close to the human eye.
The BH1750 is a digital light (lux) sensor over I2C. It gives the ambient light level directly in lux; unlike an LDR it needs no calibration/analog math. For the concept, see what is a sensor · what is I2C.
What is the BH1750 used for?
Automatic brightness (screen/LED), smart lighting, plant/greenhouse light measurement and day-night detection. The lux value is read directly over I2C (1–65535 lux); it has a spectral response close to the human eye.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Measures | Illuminance (lux) |
| Range | 1 – 65535 lux |
| Interface | I2C (address 0x23 / 0x5C) |
| Supply | 3.3–5 V (module) |
Difference from an LDR
An LDR (photoresistor) is analog, uncalibrated and rough; the BH1750 is digital and gives calibrated lux directly. For accurate/repeatable light measurement the BH1750 is superior.
Equivalents
- TSL2561 / TSL2591: wide-dynamic-range light sensors.
- VEML7700: a high-accuracy lux sensor.
- LDR: a cheap analog alternative (uncalibrated).
Find it in our catalog
Use the BH1750 search.