STMicroelectronics VL53L0 time-of-flight ranging sensor

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STMicroelectronics has released its second-generation laser-ranging sensor based on its FlightSense technology. The VL53L0 sensor can range fast and over longer distances, improving smartphone- and tablet-camera performance and opening up possibilities in robotics, user detection, drones, IoT and wearables.

With a small form factor of 4.4 x 2.4 x 1 mm, the time-of-flight (ToF) module integrates a 940 nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) light source, a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) photon detector and a microcontroller to manage the complete ranging function. The module uses light emitted at 940 nm, coupled to leading-edge infrared filters, delivering good ambient light immunity. The embedded microcontroller and digital algorithms minimise both the host processing and system power consumption in the final application.

The device is able to perform a full measurement operation in one image frame, typically less than 30 ms, at distances beyond 2 m. The camera system can achieve instant focus in both video and burst modes, even in low-light or low-contrast scenes. The sensor also enhances smartphone applications, including dual-camera-based depth-mapping, and offers opportunities in robotics, user detection, drones, IoT and wearables.

The module is simple to use (six effective pins), is I²C based and comes with a package of API drivers and documentation for fast and simple integration.

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