Laser Ranger Module (Time of Flight Distance) - VL53L0X

The VL53L0X is a new generation 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 VL53L0X can detect the "time of flight", or how long the light has taken to bounce back to the sensor. Since it uses a very narrow light source, it is good for determining distance of only the surface directly in front of it. Unlike sonars that bounce ultrasonic waves, the 'cone' of sensing is very narrow. Unlike IR distance sensors that try to measure the amount of light bounced, the VL53L0x is much more precise and doesn't have linearity problems or 'double imaging' where you can't tell if an object is very far or very close.

Key Features

• Fully integrated miniature module
  • 940nm Laser VCSEL
  • Ranging sensor with advanced embedded micro controller
• Fast, accurate distance ranging
  • Measures absolute range up to 2m
  • Reported range is independent of the target reflectance
  • Operates in high infrared ambient light levels
  • Advanced embedded optical cross-talk compensation to simplify cover glass selection
• Eye safe
  • Class 1 laser device compliant with latest standard IEC 60825-1:2014 - 3rd edition
• Easy integration
  • Single reflowable component
  • No additional optics
  • I2C interface for device control and data transfer
  • Xshutdown (Reset) and interrupt GPIO

Features

• Power supply: 2.8-5V
• Infrared emitter:960nm
• Interface: I2C (Up to 400 kHz (FAST mode) serial bus Address: 0x52)
• Distances: up to 2 meters
• Operating temperature: -20 to 70°C

Package List

• 1 x VL53L0X Laser Ranger Module

Documents

• Datasheet
• Arduino Library