VL53L1 Time-of-Flight Sensor

VL53L1 Time-of-Flight sensor based on ST’s FlightSense™ technology from STMicroelectronics. It is a new generation, long-distance ranging detection IC. The VL53L1 LiDAR sensor is the fastest miniature ToF (Time-of-Flight) sensor on the market with accurate ranging up to 4m and fast ranging frequency up to 50Hz.

VL53L1 LiDAR Sensor Pinout Configuration

The pinout is shown in the below image -

Features and Specification of VL53L1 Time-of-Flight Sensor

• Fully integrated miniature module

1. Size: 4.9x2.5x1.56 mm
2. Emitter: 940 nm invisible laser (Class1)
3. SPAD (single-photon avalanche diode)
4. receiving array with integrated lens
5. Low-power microcontroller running advanced
6. digital firmware

• Pin-to-pin compatible with the VL53L0X FlightSense™ ranging sensor
• Fast and accurate long-distance ranging

1. Up to 400cm of distance measurement
2. Up to 50Hz ranging frequency

• Typical full field-of-view (FoV): 27°
• Programmable region-of-interest (ROI) size on the receiving array, allowing the sensor FoV to be reduced.
• Programmable ROI position on the receiving array, providing multi-zone operation control from the host
• Easy integration

1. Single reflowable component
2. Can be hidden behind many cover window materials
3. Software driver and code examples for turnkey ranging
4. Single power supply (2v8)
5. I²C interface (up to 400 kHz)
6. Shutdown and interrupt pins

Note: Complete technical details can be found in the VL53L1 Datasheet linked at the bottom of this page.

VL53L1 Time-of-Flight Sensor - Overview

The STMicroelectronics VL53L1 Time-of-Flight is a state-of-the-art, Time-of-Flight (ToF), laser-ranging sensor. Housed in a miniature and reflowable package, it integrates a SPAD (Single-photon avalanche diode) 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 VL53L1 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 (Field of view) to be reduced.

The VL53L1 has three distance modes (DM): short, medium, and long.

Long-distance mode allows the longest possible ranging distance of 4m to be reached. However, this maximum ranging distance is impacted by ambient light.

Short distance mode is more immune to ambient light, but its maximum ranging distance is typically limited to 1.3m.

Interfacing Diagram

Applications of VL53L1 Time-of-Flight Sensor

• User detection (Autonomous low-power mode) to power on/off and lock/unlock devices like personal computers/laptops and the IoT
• Service robots and vacuum cleaners (long-distance and fast obstacle detection)
• Drones (landing assistance, hovering, ceiling detection)
• Smart shelves and vending machines (goods inventory monitoring)
• Sanitary (robust user detection whatever the target reflectance)
• Smart building and smart lighting (people detection, gesture control)
• 1 D gesture recognition
• Laser-assisted autofocus which enhances the camera autofocus system speed and robustness, especially in difficult scenes (low light and low contrast) and video focus tracking assistance

2D and 3D Model

For the 3D model kindly go through the below link.

3D Model of VL53L1