STMicroelectronics

The VL53L3CX is the latest Time-of-Flight (ToF) product from STMicroelectronics and embeds ST’s third generation FlightSense patented technology. It combines a high performance proximity and ranging sensor, with multi target distance measurements and automatic smudge correction. The miniature reflowable package integrates a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array and physical infrared filters to achieve the best ranging performance in various ambient lighting conditions, with a wide range of cover glass windows. The VL53L3CX combines the benefits of a high-performance proximity sensor, with excellent short distance linearity, together with ranging capability up to 5 m. With patented algorithms and ingenious module construction, the VL53L3CX is also able to detect different objects within the field of view (FoV) with depth understanding. The ST histogram algorithms allow cover glass crosstalk immunity beyond 80 cm, and dynamic smudge compensation.

The VL53L3CX-SATEL breakout boards can be used for easy integration into customer devices. Thanks to the voltage regulator and level shifters, the VL53L3CX breakout boards can be used in any application with a 2.8 V to 5 V supply. The PCB section supporting the VL53L3CX module is perforated so that developers can break off the mini PCB for use in a 2.8 V supply application using flying leads. This makes it easier to integrate the VL53L3CX-SATEL breakout boards into development and evaluation devices due to their small form factor.

The X-NUCLEO-53L4A3 is an expansion board for any STM32 Nucleo board equipped with the Arduino R3 connectors. It provides a complete evaluation kit that allows you to learn, evaluate, and develop applications using the VL53L4ED Time-of-Flight high-accuracy proximity sensor with extended temperature capability. The expansion board is delivered with a cover glass holder in which you can fit three different spacers of 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mm height below the cover glass to simulate various air gaps. A small oval cover glass fitting the sensor is included. Several ST expansion boards can be stacked through the Arduino connectors, which allow, for example, the development of VL53L4ED applications with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi interfaces. The evaluation boards shall be tested exclusively under normal temperature conditions. The board is not rated for high temperature operation.

The VL53L4CD sensor is specifically designed for proximity and short-range measurements. It provides very accurate distance measurements from only 1 mm up to 1200 mm. This new generation laser emitter has an 18° FoV. It improves performance under ambient light with a ranging speed up to 100 Hz. The VL53L4CD device features ULP mode for continuous FoV monitoring. It has a minimal power consumption, down to 55 μA (see the AN5870), which is optimized for battery-powered devices. The sensor processes data on-chip, without sending raw data to the host. It sends an interrupt to the host when a target is detected. Such integrated on-chip processing reduces design complexity and the BOM (bill of material) cost. These features enable the use of less powerful, more cost-effective microcontrollers. The FlightSense technology, along with the principles of the VL53L4CD, inspired liquid level monitoring (STSW-IMG039) example codes. This cutting-edge solution from STMicroelectronics enables the use of a nonmechanical sensor for measuring liquid levels. This in turn reduces the risks associated with corrosion and rust. The solution delivers precise measurements across a wide range of liquids, from water to fuel. Like all Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors based on ST's FlightSense technology, the VL53L4CD records an absolute distance measurement regardless of the target color and reflectance. The VL53L4CD is housed in a miniature reflowable package, which integrates a SPAD (single photon avalanche diode) array. It achieves the best ranging performance in various ambient lighting conditions and for a wide range of cover glass materials. All of ST's ToF sensors integrate a VCSEL (vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser) which emits fully invisible 940 nm IR light. This light has a Class 1 certification and is totally safe for the eyes.

Specifically designed for long-range, multitarget measurements, the VL53L4CX provides very accurate distance measurements up to 6 m with excellent results over short distances. A new generation laser emitter with 18° FoV improves performance under ambient light. Thanks to ST's patented algorithms and innovative module construction, the VL53L4CX is also able to detect multiple objects within the FoV with depth understanding. ST histogram algorithms ensure cover glass crosstalk immunity beyond 80 cm and dynamic smudge compensation for targets below 80 cm. Like all Time-of-Flight sensors based on ST's FlightSense technology, the VL53L4CX records an absolute distance measurement regardless of the target color and reflectance. Housed in a miniature reflowable package, which integrates a SPAD (single photon avalanche diode) array, the VL53L4CX achieves the best ranging performance even when hidden behind a wide range of cover glass materials. All of ST's Time-of-Flight sensors integrate a VCSEL (vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser) which emits a fully invisible 940 nm IR light, which is totally safe for the eyes (Class 1 certification).

The VL53L4ED is specifically designed for high-accuracy, short-range measurements requiring extended temperature capability. It offers an 18° field of view for measurements from 1 mm up to 1300 mm in standard conditions, and up to 1150 mm under its extended temperature. Special settings also provide an accurate distance measurement up to 800 mm under ambient light conditions (5 klx). This sensor has an effective temperature range of -40°C to 105°C, ensuring reliable measurement, even in extreme temperature conditions. It is the ideal product for industrial devices requiring proximity sensing. Examples include presence detection and system activation applications. The VL53L4ED is a direct derivative of the VL53L4CD with which it is pin-to-pin compatible. Its fully embedded on-chip processing helps to reduce design complexity and BOM cost because less powerful and less expensive microcontrollers can be used. Like all Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors based on STMicroelectronics' FlightSense technology, the VL53L4ED records an absolute distance measurement regardless of the target color and reflectance. The VL53L4ED is housed in a miniature reflowable package. It integrates a SPAD (single photon avalanche diode) array, and consequently achieves the best ranging performance in various ambient lighting conditions, for a wide range of cover glass materials. This sensor integrates a VCSEL (vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser). It emits a fully invisible 940 nm IR light that is totally safe for eyes (Class 1 certification).

The VL53L5CX is a state of the art, Time-of-Flight (ToF), multizone ranging sensor enhancing the ST FlightSense product family. Housed in a miniature reflowable package, it integrates a SPAD array, physical infrared filters, and diffractive optical elements (DOE) to achieve the best ranging performance in various ambient lighting conditions with a range of cover glass materials. The use of a DOE above the vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) allows a square FoV to be projected onto the scene. The reflection of this light is focused by the receiver lens onto a SPAD array. Unlike conventional IR sensors, the VL53L5CX uses ST's latest generation, direct ToF technology, which allows absolute distance measurement whatever the target color and reflectance. It provides accurate ranging up to 400 cm and can work at fast speeds (60 Hz), which makes it the fastest, multizone, miniature ToF sensor on the market. Multizone distance measurements are possible up to 8x8 zones with a wide 65° diagonal FoV, which can be reduced by software. Thanks to ST histogram patented algorithms, the VL53L5CX is able to detect different objects within the FoV. The histogram also provides immunity to cover glass crosstalk beyond 60 cm.

The VL53L5CX-SATEL breakout boards can be used for easy integration into customer devices. The PCB section supporting the VL53L5CX module is perforated so that developers can break off the mini PCB for use in a 3.3 V supply application using flying wires. This makes it easier to integrate the VL53L5CX-SATEL breakout boards into development and evaluation devices due to their small size.

The VL53L7CH is the perfect Time-of-Flight sensor enabling AI applications, with ultrawide 90° diagonal FoV and low power consumption. The compact and normalized histogram (CNH) innovative data output is specially designed for artificial intelligence (AI) applications requiring multizone raw data from a high performance multizone ToF sensor. The IR signal measured in each zone is sent as raw data to the host through each bin of the histogram. Highly configurable, the user can program the resolution of the VL53L7CH up to 64 zones (8x8 zones), modify the histogram resolution up to 128 bins, and define the bin width. All this CNH data is transmitted to the host through I²C, up to 30 Hz, in addition to the standard processed data of the ToF sensor (ranging distance, signal level, reflectance etc.). The CNH data transform ST Time-of-Flight ranging sensor into a versatile optical sensor, which can enable endless AI-based applications. This CNH raw data sent to the host, on top of the standard ranging data, opens the door to many new applications beyond simple distance measurements. From solid material (carpet, wood, glass, mirror...) to gas or liquid (water, oil, chemical...), it becomes possible to detect the location and the size of a cup in a coffee machine or beverage dispenser, to sense the floor material for robotics, and develop advanced shape, motion, or hand posture recognition. The VL53L7CH Time-of-Flight sensor offers an ultrawide 90° diagonal FoV, shaped as a square 60° x 60° FoV, thanks to the innovative metalens surface ODIF lenses. The integrated VCSEL emits fully invisible 940 nm IR light, which is Class 1 certified and safe for the eyes.