STMicroelectronics new single-zone direct-ToF sensor

16th July 2024

Sheryl Miles

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STMicroelectronics has introduced the VL53L4ED single-zone Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor, which has an extended operating temperature range from –40°C to 105°C.

Ready for harsh environments, the VL53L4ED enhances proximity detection and ranging under high ambient light conditions in applications such as industrial tools, smart-factory equipment, robot guidance systems, outdoor lighting controls, and security systems.

Expanding ST’s VL53L4 family of direct-ToF sensors, the VL53L4ED integrates a laser emitter and a single-photon avalanche-diode (SPAD) detector array in a convenient all-in-one module which ensures reliable measurement even in extreme temperature conditions. The next-generation laser provides enhanced performance in high ambient light environments and excellent short-distance ranging accuracy. In addition, the sensors embed a processor that allows power-saving autonomous operation and lowers demand for host-system resources.

ST’s new ToF sensor provides high-accuracy distance measurement to objects up to 1150mm away, throughout the entire field of view and over the full extended temperature range. Special settings allow accurate distance measurement up to 800mm under strong ambient light conditions. The VL53L4ED sensor maintains distance-measurement linearity down to 1mm and supports ranging frequency up to 100Hz.

Developers can take advantage of the X-CUBE-TOF1 expansion software package for the STM32Cube ecosystem to accelerate projects using the VL53L4 sensor family. Ready-to-use software includes as well the STSW-IMG034 driver that lets an interrupt command turn the VL53L4ED or VL53L4CD into an ultra-low-power proximity detector for user detection, system activation, and touchless control. In addition, the STSW-IMG039 software pack contains code examples for liquid-level monitoring. Hardware includes the X-NUCLEO-53L4A3 expansion board for the NUCLEO-F401RE microcontroller board, which eases running code examples and building applications, as well as the SATEL-VL53L4ED breakout board for prototyping.

All the VL53L4 sensors are pin-compatible and offered in a 4.4 x 2.4 x 1mm-high LGA package. The new VL53L4ED is in production now, priced from $2.3 for 4,500 pieces.

* STM32 is a registered and/or unregistered trademark of STMicroelectronics International NV or its affiliates in the EU and/or elsewhere. In particular, STM32 is registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office.