New STMicroelectronics ToF Sensor Boosts Range and Speed

STMicroelectronics has expanded its offerings with a new Time-of-Flight ranging sensor. The VL53L0X extends the ToF measurement range to two meters, and is accurate to within ±3%. It is also faster, measuring the distance in under 30ms, and highly energy-efficient, consuming only 20mW in active ranging mode and drawing 5µA in standby. At 2.4x4.4x1 mm, it is also the smallest such device in the market, the company states.

Unlike conventional infrared proximity sensors, the VL53L0X gives accurate distance measurement in millimeters, and is unaffected by the color or reflectivity of the sensed target. Its fast-acting FlightSense technology, well known from the laser-assisted camera auto-focus featured in several smartphones from top brands, can also distinguish movement towards or away from the sensor or from side to side. Distance is calculated internally and communicated over I²C thereby minimizing demands on the system host controller.

The sensing capabilities of the VL53L0X can support a wide range of functions including gesture sensing or proximity detection for new innovative user interfaces, wall detection, cliff detection and collision avoidance for robotic appliances or for setting up hands-free actuation.

For more information, visit STMicroelectronics.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.