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STMicroelectronics have expanded the range of class leading Time-of-Flight (ToF) ranging sensors based on their FlightSense patented technology which allows the sensors to provide highly accurate distance measurement and proximity sensing. Building on the popular VL53L platform, STMicroelectronics next generation VL53L1 and VL53L3 series of ToF sensors offer enhancements to make them suitable for a wider range of industrial and consumer applications.

ToF sensors work by emitting invisible 940nm photons from a VCSEL which hit a target and reflect back to a SPAD array sensor integrated onto the same device. The distance can be accurately measured by calculating the time it takes the photon emission to travel from the emitter and be reflected back the sensor divided by 2 and then times by the speed of light, so for example a target at a distance of 1 cm from the device would have a photon round trip time of 67ps. Measurement is completely independent of the size, colour and reflectance of the target object and distance can be calculated very fast in just a few ms. The ToF sensors are designed to consume very low power making them suitable for battery powered devices also.

VL53L1 - ToF ranging sensor with advanced multi-zone and multi-object detection

The VL53L1 is a state-of-the-art, ToF, laser-ranging, miniature sensor enhancing STMicroelectronics’ FlightSense product family. This sensor is housed in a compact package measuring just 4.9 x 2.5 x 1.56 mm and is compatible with automatic reflow soldering processes. The device integrates a SPAD (single photon avalanche diode) array, physical infrared filters and optics allowing it to achieve the best ranging performance in various ambient lighting conditions, with a wide range of cover windows. Unlike conventional IR sensors, the VL53L1 uses STMicroelectronics latest generation direct ToF technology which allows absolute distance measurement whatever the target colour and reflectance. It can provide accurate ranging above 4 m and works at fast speeds (60 Hz), making it one of the fastest miniature ToF sensor on the market. The sensor features patented algorithms and ingenious module construction allowing the VL53L1 to detect different objects within the field-of-view with depth understanding at 60 Hz. This means scene browsing and multi-zone detection is now possible with the VL53L1, thanks to software customizable detection array for quicker “touch-to-focus” or mini depth-map use cases.

VL53L3CX - ToF ranging sensor with multi target detection

The VL53L3CX is one of the latest Time-of-Flight (ToF) products from STMicroelectronics and embeds their third generation FlightSense patented technology. This sensor combines a high performance proximity and ranging sensor, with multi target distance measurements and automatic smudge correction to negate the effects of fingerprints on the cover glass which can be a common issue with ToF sensors. The sensor is housed in a miniature package measuring just 4.4 x 2.4 x 1 mm and like the VL53L1 is fully compatible with reflow solder processes. The device 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. Using STMicroelectronics patented algorithms and ingenious module construction, the VL53L3CX is also able to detect different objects within the field of view (FoV) with depth understanding. Whilst the STMicroelectronics histogram algorithms allow cover glass crosstalk immunity beyond 80 cm, and dynamic smudge compensation.

Long Term support for Industrial applications

Both VL53L1 and VL53L3 devices are included in STMicroelectronics product longevity program which guarantees the products will remain in mass production for 7 years from the product introduction date. This gives industrial product designers the confidence to integrate them into their applications knowing the parts will not be discontinued in a short space of time as can happen with other manufacturers ToF sensors that are primarily targeted at consumer applications like mobile phones.

ToF sensors can be used in a wide range of products and are already embedded in devices in use every day such as smart phones, other applications include presence and user detection, gesture control, power saving, security, distance measurement, proximity detection, camera autofocus, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), display colour and flicker detection & correction and facial identification/authentication systems.

Click below for a short demonstration of the VL53L1 being used in a LiDAR system application

Development Boards

The STMicroelectronics VL53L1 and VL53L3 ToF sensors are supported by the P-NUCLEO-53L1A2 and P-NUCLEO-53L3A2 development boards respectively, these boards allow designers to fully evaluate the sensors capability and can be used to develop their application. They can also be used with the STM32 nucleo board and NUCLEO-F401RE to provide an affordable and flexible way for users to try out new ideas and build prototypes with any STM32 microcontroller, choosing from the various combinations of performance, power consumption, and features.

Anglia are offering customers a FREE development kit and samples of the VL53L series ToF ranging sensors with advanced multi-zone and multi-object detection from STMicroelectronics, please fill in the form below to register for evaluation kit and samples now.