Sensors V: Time of Flight Sensors
Sponsored by
The element14 ESSENTIALS of Time of Flight Sensors covers the basic concepts of ToF sensors, methods to measure the time of flight, the different techniques in range sensing, the challenges and designs of specific ToF sensors by ST Microelectronics, and a few use case applications. To extend the knowledge covered in the main module, this supplementary guide discusses the types of related components and development boards used for prototyping or product development.
Sensors
The VL6180 is a product based on ST's patented FlightSense
technology, which allows absolute distance to be measured independent of target reflectance. Instead of estimating the distance by measuring the amount of light reflected back from the object (which is significantly influenced by color and surface), the VL6180 precisely measures the time the light takes to travel to the nearest object and reflect back to the sensor (Time-of-Flight). Combining an IR emitter and a range sensor in a two-in-one ready-to-use reflowable package, the VL6180 is easy to integrate and saves the end product maker long and costly optical and mechanical design optimizations. The module is designed for low power operation. Ranging measurements can be automatically performed at user defined intervals. Multiple threshold and interrupt schemes are supported to minimize host operations. Host control and result reading is performed using an I2C interface. Optional additional functions, such as measurement ready and threshold interrupts, are provided by two programmable GPIO pins. A complete API is also associated with the device which consists of a set of C functions controlling the VL6180 to enable fast development of end user applications. This API is structured in a way that it can be compiled on any kind of platform through a well isolated platform layer (mainly for low level I2C access).
|
|
The VL53L0X is a Time-of-Flight (ToF) laser-ranging module housed in the smallest package on the market today, providing accurate distance measurement whatever the target reflectances, unlike conventional technologies. It can measure absolute distances up to 2m, setting a new benchmark in ranging performance levels, opening the door to various new applications. The VL53L0X integrates a leading-edge SPAD array (Single Photon Avalanche Diodes) and embeds ST's second generation FlightSenseTM patented technology. The VL53L0X's 940nm VCSEL emitter (Vertical Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser), is totally invisible to the human eye, coupled with internal physical infrared filters, it enables longer ranging distance, higher immunity to ambient light, and better robustness to cover-glass optical cross-talk.
|
|
The VL53L3CX is the latest Time-of-Flight (ToF) product from STMicroelectronics and embeds ST's third generation FlightSense patented technology. It combines a high performance proximity and ranging sensor, with multi target distance measurements and automatic smudge correction. The miniature reflowable package 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 5m. With patented algorithms and ingenious module construction, the VL53L3CX is also able to detect different objects within the field of view (FoV) with depth understanding. The ST histogram algorithms allow cover glass crosstalk immunity beyond 80 cm, and dynamic smudge compensation.
|
|
VL53L1X Long distance ranging Time-of-Flight sensor based on ST's FlightSense technology
Buy NowBuy Now
The VL53L1X is a Time-of-Flight (ToF), laser-ranging sensor, enhancing the ST FlightSense product family. It is very accurate, ranging up to 4 m and fast ranging frequency up to 50 Hz. Housed in a miniature and reflowable package, it integrates a SPAD receiving array, a 940 nm invisible Class1 laser emitter, physical infrared 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 VL53L1X uses ST's latest generation ToF technology which allows absolute distance measurement whatever the target color and reflectance. It is also possible to program the size of the ROI on the receiving array, allowing the sensor FoV to be reduced.
|
|
The VL53L1 is a state-of-the-art, Time-of-Flight (ToF), laser-ranging, miniature sensor enhancing STMicroelectronics' FlightSense product family. Housed in a miniature and reflowable package, it integrates a SPAD (single photon avalanche diode) array, physical infrared filters and optics 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 ST's latest generation direct ToF technology which allows absolute distance measurement whatever the target color and reflectance. It provides accurate ranging above 4 m and can work at fast speeds (60 Hz), which makes it the fastest miniature ToF sensor on the market. With patented algorithms and ingenious module construction, the VL53L1 is also able to detect different objects within the field-of-view with depth understanding at 60 Hz. 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.
|
|
Expansion Boards
The X-NUCLEO-6180A1 expansion board features the VL6180 proximity sensor, based on ST's FlightSense, Time-of-Flight technology. It is an evaluation board that provides an introduction to the proximity ranging capabilities of the VL6180 module. The VL6180 is based on patented FlightSense technology. This is a ground-breaking technology allowing absolute distance to be measured independent of target reflectance. Instead of estimating the distance by measuring the amount of light reflected back from the object (which is significantly influenced by color and surface), the VL6180 precisely measures the time the light takes to travel to the nearest object and reflect back to the sensor (Time-of-Flight). It is compatible with the STM32 Nucleo board family, and with the Arduino UNO R3 connector layout. Several ST expansion boards can be superposed through the Arduino connectors, which allows for the development of VL6180 applications with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi interface.
|
|
X-NUCLEO-53L0A1 Expansion Board, Ranging/Gesture Detection, VL53L0X, For STM32 Nucleo, Arduino Compatible
Buy NowBuy Now
The X-NUCLEO-53L0A1 expansion board features the VL53L0X ranging and gesture detection sensor, based on ST's FlightSense, Time-of-Flight technology. It is an evaluation board that provides an introduction to the ranging and gesture detection capabilities of the VL53L0X module. To allow the user to validate the VL53L0X in an environment as close as possible to its final application, the X-NUCLEO-53L0A1 expansion board is delivered with a cover glass holder in which 3 different spacers of 0.25, 0.5 and 1mm height can be fitted below the cover glass in order to simulate various air gaps. Two VL53L0X satellites can be connected using the two 10 pin connectors. The expansion board is compatible with the STM32 Nucleo board family, and with the Arduino UNO R3 connector layout. Several ST expansion boards can be superposed through the Arduino connectors, which allows, for example, to develop VL53L0X applications with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi interface.
|
|
The X-NUCLEO-53L3A2 is an expansion board for the NUCLEOF401RE development board. It provides a complete evaluation kit allowing anyone to learn, evaluate, and develop their applications using the VL53L3CX, ranging sensor with multi target detection. The X-NUCLEO-53L3A2 expansion board is delivered with a cover glass holder in which three different spacers of 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mm height can be fitted below the cover glass to simulate various air gaps. Two VL53L3CX breakout boards can be connected using two 10-pin connectors. The X-NUCLEO-53L3A2 expansion board is compatible with the STM32 Nucleo board family, and with the Arduino UNO R3 connector layout. Several ST expansion boards can be superposed through the Arduino connectors which allows, for example, the development of VL53L3CX applications with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi interfaces.
|
|
X-NUCLEO-53L1A1 Expansion Board, VL53L1X Time of Flight (ToF) Distance Ranging Sensor, For Nucleo Boards
Buy NowBuy Now
The X-NUCLEO-53L1A1 is an expansion board for the NUCLEOF401RE and NUCLEOL476RG development boards. It provides a complete evaluation kit allowing anyone to learn, evaluate, and develop their applications using the VL53L1X ToF, long-distance ranging sensor technology. The X-NUCLEO-53L1A1 expansion board is delivered with a cover glass holder in which three different spacers of 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mm height can be fitted below the cover glass to simulate various air gaps. Two VL53L1X breakout boards can be connected using two 10-pin connectors. The X-NUCLEO-53L1A1 expansion board is compatible with the STM32 Nucleo board family, and with the Arduino UNO R3 connector layout. Several ST expansion boards can be superposed through the Arduino connectors which allows, for example, the development of VL53L1X applications with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi interfaces.
|
|
The X-NUCLEO-53L1A2 is an expansion board for the NUCLEOF401RE and NUCLEOL476RG development boards. It provides a complete evaluation kit which allows anyone to learn, evaluate, and develop their applications using the VL53L1 ToF ranging sensor with advanced multi-object detection and FoV programming. The X-NUCLEO-53L1A2 expansion board is delivered with a cover glass holder in which three different spacers of 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mm height can be fitted below the cover glass to simulate various air gaps. Two VL53L1 breakout boards can be connected using two 10-pin connectors. The X-NUCLEO-53L1A2 expansion board is compatible with the STM32 Nucleo board family, and with the Arduino UNO R3 connector layout. Several ST expansion boards can be superposed through the Arduino connectors which allows, for example, the development of VL53L1 applications with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi interfaces.
|
|
Evaluation Kits
P-NUCLEO-6180A1 Evaluation Kit, IC-STM32F401RE, 32 Bit, STM32 Family, ARM Cortex-M4F MCU
Buy NowBuy Now
The P-NUCLEO-6180A1 is an evaluation pack that provides an introduction to the proximity ranging capabilities of the VL6180 sensor, combined with the powerful STM32F401RE microcontroller. The VL6180 is based on patented FlightSense technology. This is a ground-breaking technology, allowing absolute distance to be measured independent of target reflectance. Instead of estimating the distance by measuring the amount of light reflected back from the object (which is significantly influenced by color and surface), the VL6180 precisely measures the time the light takes to travel to the nearest object and reflect back to the sensor (Time-of-Flight). The STM32 Nucleo board, NUCLEOF401RE, provides an affordable and flexible way for users to try out new ideas and build prototypes with any STM32 microcontroller line, choosing from the various combinations of performance, power consumption and features.
|
|
P-NUCLEO-53L0A1 Evaluation Board, VL53L0X, Ranging and Gesture Detection, Arduino Compatible
Buy NowBuy Now
The P-NUCLEO-53L0A1 is an evaluation pack that provides an introduction to the ranging and gesture detection features of the VL53L0X sensor, combined with the powerful STM32F401RE microcontroller. The VL53L0X is the latest product based on ST's patented FlightSense technology. This is a ground-breaking technology allowing absolute distance to be measured independent of target reflectance. Instead of estimating the distance by measuring the amount of light reflected back from the object (which is significantly influenced by color and surface), the VL53L0X precisely measures the time the light takes to travel to the nearest object and reflect back to the sensor (Time-of-Flight). The STM32 Nucleo board, NUCLEOF401RE, provides an affordable and flexible way for users to try out new ideas and build prototypes with any STM32 microcontroller line, choosing from the various combinations of performance, power consumption and features.
|
|
P-NUCLEO-53L3A2 Evaluation Kit, IC-STM32F401RE, 32 Bit, STM32 Family, ARM Cortex-M4F MCU
Buy NowBuy Now
The P-NUCLEO-53L3A2 is a complete evaluation kit allowing anyone to learn, evaluate, and develop their application using the VL53L3CX, Time-of-Flight (ToF), ranging sensor with multi target detection. The VL53L3CX is the latest ToF product from STMicroelectronics and embeds ST's third generation FlightSense patented technology. It combines a high performance proximity and ranging sensor, with multi-target distance measurements and automatic smudge correction. The miniature reflowable package 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 STM32 Nucleo board, NUCLEOF401RE, provides 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.
|
|
P-NUCLEO-53L1A1 Evaluation Board, VL53L1Z Time of Flight (ToF) Distance Ranging Sensor, For STM32 Nucleo
Buy NowBuy Now
The P-NUCLEO-53L1A1 is a complete evaluation kit allowing anyone to learn, evaluate, and develop their application using the VL53L1X ToF, long-distance ranging sensor technology. The VL53L1X is the latest product based on ST's patented FlightSenseTM technology. This is a ground-breaking technology allowing absolute long-distance distance to be measured independently of target reflectance. Instead of estimating the distance by measuring the amount of light reflected back from an object (which is significantly influenced by color and surface), the VL53L1X precisely measures the time the light takes to travel to the nearest object and reflect back to the sensor (Time-of-Flight). The STM32 Nucleo board, NUCLEOF401RE, provides 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.
|
|
The P-NUCLEO-53L1A2 is a complete evaluation kit which allows anyone to learn, evaluate, and develop their application using the VL53L1 ToF, ranging sensor with multi-object detection and FoV programming. The VL53L1 is a state-of-the-art, ToF, laser-ranging, miniature sensor enhancing STMicroelectronic's FlightSense product family. Housed in a miniature and reflowable package, it integrates a SPAD (single photon avalanche diode) array, physical infrared filters, and optics to achieve the best ranging performance in various ambient lighting conditions, with a wide range of cover windows. The STM32 Nucleo board and NUCLEOF401RE 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.
|
|
Breakout Boards
The VL6180 breakout boards are hardware add-ons for the X-NUCLEO-6180A1 expansion board. Up to three breakout boards can be connected to the XNUCLEO-6180A1 expansion board, enabling multi sensor applications. Due to its 2.8 V regulator, the VL6180 breakout board can be used in any application with a 3.3 to 10 V supply. The part supporting the VL6180 module, 2.54 mm connector and output regulator is scored, so that developers can break off the mini PCB for use in a 2.8 V supply application using flying leads. This makes it easier to integrate into development and evaluation devices due to its small form factor.
|
|
This satellite board can be used for easy integration into customer devices and basic gesture detection applications. Due to its 2.8V regulator and level shifters, the VL53L0X satellite board can be used in any application with a 2.8 to 5V supply. The PCB section supporting the VL53L0X module is perforated so that developers can break off the mini PCB for use in a 2.8V supply application using flying leads. This makes it easier to integrate into development and evaluation devices due to its small form factor.
|
|
The VL53L3CX-SATEL breakout boards can be used for easy integration into customer devices. Due to the voltage regulator and level shifters, the VL53L3CX breakout boards can be used in any application with a 2.8 V to 5 V supply. The PCB section supporting the VL53L3CX module is perforated so that developers can break off the mini PCB for use in a 2.8 V supply application using flying leads. This makes it easier to integrate the VL53L3CX-SATEL breakout boards into development and evaluation devices, due to their small form factor.
|
|
VL53L1X-SATEL Breakout Board, VL53L1X Long Distance Ranging Sensor, Time Of Flight (ToF)
Buy NowBuy Now
The VL53L1X-SATEL breakout boards can be used for easy integration into customer devices. Due to the voltage regulator and level shifters, the VL53L1X breakout boards can be used in any application with a 2.8 V to 5 V supply. The PCB section supporting the VL53L1X module is perforated, so that developers can break off the mini PCB for use in a 2.8 V supply application using flying leads. This makes it easier to integrate the VL53L1X-SATEL breakout boards into development and evaluation devices, due to their small form factor.
|
|
The VL53L1-SATEL breakout boards can be used for easy integration into customer devices. Due to the voltage regulator and level shifters, the VL53L1 breakout boards can be used in any application with a 2.8 V to 5 V supply. The PCB section supporting the VL53L1 module is perforated, so that developers can break off the mini PCB for use in a 2.8 V supply application using flying leads. This makes it easier to integrate the VL53L1-SATEL breakout boards into development and evaluation devices due to their small size.
|
|
*Trademark. STMicroelectronics is a trademark of STMicroelectronics Inc. Other logos, product and/or company names may be trademarks of their respective owners.