STMicroelectronics' new time-of-flight ranging sensor increases range length and speed in the industry's smallest package

     To further strengthen its leadership position in the time-of-flight ranging sensor (ToF) market, STMicroelectronics has introduced the second-generation FlightSense™ technology for the new VL53L0X laser ranging sensor. The VL53L0X extends the ToF range length to two meters with an accuracy of ±3%. The measurement speed is faster than the previous generation, and the ranging time is less than 30ms; More energy efficient, with power consumption of only 20mW in normal operating mode and only 5µA in standby. The package size is 2.4mm x 4.4mm x 1mm, which is the smallest of its kind in the market.

     Unlike traditional infrared proximity sensors, the VL53L0X delivers millimeter accurate ranging results, and the color and reflected light of the target object do not affect the ranging results. The fast-response FlightSenseTM technology, which is known for being used by major smartphone camera laser-assisted autofocus, can distinguish between horizontal and vertical movement of a target object. The sensor completes the distance calculation internally and outputs the data through the I2C bus interface, thus minimizing the need for the system's main controller.

     The internal laser emits 940nm wavelength non-visible light, which does not harm the eyes, eliminates the problem of distracting people's attention by emitting red light with other infrared proximity detection sensors, and enhances the anti-interference performance to external light sources. The sensor's digital architecture and automatic compensation function enable it to still have high performance in scenes with high ambient light intensity.

     The sensing capabilities of the VL53L0X can support a variety of functions, including gesture sensing or proximity detection for a variety of innovative user interfaces; Wall detection, cliff detection, collision detection of household appliances such as sweeping robots; Sanitary products, such as faucets, soap dispensers, dryers and washers; Other targeted applications include laptop user presence detection or power switch monitors, drones, and Internet of Things (IoT) products.

     To make the integration process faster and easier, the VL53L0X shipping software API (Application Programming Interface) along with complete technical documentation and routine source code. Developers can use the X-NUCLEO-53L0A1 expansion board connected to the STM32 Nucleo series microcontroller development board to easily evaluate the product performance of the VL53L0X.