TSL2591 High Dynamic Range Light Sensor
Extremely wide dynamic range light sensor (600M:1). Measures from 0.001 to 88,000 lux with separate visible and infrared channels.
Say it to PAL
“Keep a log of how bright it is.”
The code PAL writes
const lux = await p.read('qwiic-tsl2591', 'lux');
p.log(`Light: ${lux} lux`);“Tell me when it gets dark.”
The code PAL writes
p.onSensorChange('qwiic-tsl2591', 'lux', (lux) => {
if (lux < 10) p.notify('It is getting dark: ' + lux + ' lux');
});
await p.waitUntilStopped();When to pick it
Best for applications requiring extreme light range — from near-total darkness to bright sunlight. Choose over VEML7700 when you need sub-lux resolution or IR discrimination.
Good to know
- Saturates at 88,000 lux in lowest gain mode. For direct sun measurement, use an ND filter.
About it
The TSL2591 is a very high sensitivity light-to-digital converter that provides direct lux output. With a 600,000,000:1 dynamic range, it can measure light from near-total darkness to bright sunlight. It features separate full-spectrum (visible + IR) and infrared photodiodes, enabling accurate lux computation under diverse lighting conditions. Ideal for adaptive display brightness, ambient lighting control, and scientific light measurement.
Where to buy
Facts
Tested
It is in our catalog, but nobody has checked it on a real board. It may not work yet. Its driver is written, but it has not been tested on hardware yet.
I2C address
The TSL2591 High Dynamic Range Light Sensor answers at I2C address 0x29. The address is fixed.
Current
400 µA
The catalog lists a typical draw of 400 µA for the Light Sensor, copied from the maker’s description and not measured by Palpable.
Board size
25.4 × 17.78 mm
The Light Sensor board measures 25.4 × 17.78 mm and stands 4.6 mm tall with its parts. It has 4 mounting holes. These dimensions are from the maker’s mechanical drawing.
Chip
TSL2591
Its sensor is the ams-OSRAM TSL2591.
Free to reuse
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This record was last changed on October 26, 2026.