Rutronik adds ‘fastest’ time-of-flight sensor from STMicroelectronics
The VL53L1CXV0FY/1 from STMicroelectronics is claimed to be the fastest, miniature time-of-flight (ToF), laser-ranging sensor. It joins the FlightSense and is now available from Rutronik. It has long-distance accurate ranging up to four metres and fast ranging frequency up to 50Hz.
The VL53L1CXV0FY/1 is particularly well suited for applications where user detection is required, e.g. smart home and smart lighting in target applications such as autonomous devices like service robots, drones, smart shelves and vending machines as well as gesture recognition and laser-assisted autofocus systems.
The sensor’s dimensions are 4.9 x 2.5 x 1.56mm. The VL53L1CXV0FY/1 sensor integrates a SPAD receiving array, a 940nm invisible Class1 laser emitter, physical infra red filters, and optics to achieve the best ranging performance in various ambient lighting conditions with a range of cover window options. Unlike conventional IR sensors, the VL53L1CXV0FY/1 uses ST’s latest generation ToF technology that allows absolute distance measurement whatever the target colour and reflectance, explains Rutronik.
It is possible to program the size of the region-of-interest on the receiving array, allowing the sensor field-of-view of 27 degrees to be customised. Setting a specific region of interest position can provide multi-zone operation control from the host. Additionally, the VL53L1CXV0FY/1 is pin-to-pin compatible with the VL53L0X FlightSense ranging sensor.
The VL53L1CXV0FY/1 can be hidden behind a selection of cover window materials and colours allowing designers to integrate them creatively into devices. The sensor provides a standard two-wire I²C interface with up to 400kHz and works with a single power supply (2v8).
For a fast design-in process, ST offers a software driver and code examples for turnkey ranging.
Rutronik UK operates as an independent company with a team of highly qualified employees with broad experience of the electronics industry. Parent company Rutronik Elektronische Bauelemente GmbH is one of the leading broadline distributors for semiconductors, passive and electromechanical components as well as storage technologies, displays and boards and wireless products. Rutronik primarily targets automotive, medical, industrial, home appliance, energy and lighting markets.
