ST's new time-of-flight ranging sensors increase range length and speed in the industry's smallest package

Test - lowercase jpg

Kaixin micro test

Test probe P100-M3

June 30, 2016, Across multiple electronic applications, the world's leading semiconductor supplier STMicroelectronics (STMicroelectronics, referred to as ST; NYSE: STM) in order to further strengthen its time of flight ranging sensor (ToF) market leadership, launch of second-generation FlightSenseTM technology for the new VL53L0X laser range sensor on.

The VL53L0X extends the ToF ranging length to two meters with an accuracy of ±3%. The measurement speed is faster than the previous generation, the ranging time is less than 30ms; the higher energy efficiency, the power consumption is only 20mW in normal working mode, and the standby power consumption is only 5μA. The package size is 2.4mm x 4.4mm x 1mm, which is the smallest of its kind in the market.

Different from traditional infrared proximity detection sensors (Infrared proximity sensors), VL53L0X output is the result of the measurement to the millimeter, the color of the target object and the reflected light will not affect the ranging result. The fast-responding FlightSenseTM technology is renowned for being used by laser-assisted autofocus for the big-brand smartphone camera to distinguish between horizontal or vertical movement of the target object. sensor The internal calculation of the ranging is performed, and the data is output through the I2C bus interface, so the demand for the system main controller is minimized.

The internal laser emits 940nm wavelength non-visible light, does not harm the eyes, and eliminates other infrared proximity detection sensors. The emission of red light distracts people's attention and enhances the anti-interference performance of external light sources. The sensor The digital architecture and automatic compensation feature make it still highly performant in high ambient light scenes.

The sensing capability of the VL53L0X can support a variety of functions, including gesture sensing or proximity detection of various innovative user interfaces; wall detection, cliff detection, collision detection of home appliances such as sweeping robots; bathroom products such as faucets, soap dispensers, Hand dryers and irrigators; other target 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 comes with a product distribution software API (application programming interface) and complete technical documentation and routine source code. Developers can use the X-NUCLEO-53L0A1 expansion board to connect to the STM32 Nucleo family of microcontroller development boards to easily evaluate the performance of the VL53L0X.

The VL53L0X is now in volume production with a 12-pad reflow compatible module.