ST ultra-low power time-of-flight sensor: unlocking new scenarios in smart life

【Lansheng Technology News】In the future, ToF will be immeasurable in applications in areas such as proximity detection sensors, human presence detection, and laser autofocus. As a major provider of ToF technology and solutions, STMicroelectronics continues to update and iterate product technologies to meet these application needs.

In order to achieve the lowest power consumption of time-of-flight sensors, ST has developed a set of drivers that effectively configure the FlightSense? sensor as an energy-saving version of the proximity detector. Additionally, once an object is detected, the driver immediately switches the sensor back to standard ranging mode, taking full advantage of Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology. The sensor is specially designed so that its setup and ranging processes are fully embedded in the firmware, significantly reducing power consumption.

ST's FlightSense? single ranging sensors with ultra-low power (ULP) mode mainly include three products: VL53L1CX, VL53L3CX, and VL53L4CD.

The VL53L1CX is capable of detecting objects at distances up to 1400 mm in ULP mode with a ranging frequency of 1 Hz and a current consumption of only 65 μA. The ultra-low power driver (STSW-IMG032) easily sets the VL53L1CX FlightSense? sensor to ULP mode for use as an energy-saving proximity detector. Once the sensor detects an object, the driver will immediately switch the sensor back to ranging mode, with accurate ranging distances up to 4 meters, high ranging frequency (50 Hz) and customizable field of view (FoV) functions. The lowest power consumption is 65 μA at 800 mm, and 300 μA at the longest detection distance of 1400 mm.

The VL53L3CX is capable of detecting objects at distances up to 840 mm in ULP mode with a ranging frequency of 1 Hz and a current consumption of only 55 μA. The ultra-low power driver (STSW-IMG033) makes it easy to set the VL53L3CX FlightSense? sensor to ULP mode for use as an energy-saving proximity detector. Once the sensor detects an object, the driver immediately switches the sensor back to full histogram ranging mode, using ST's histogram algorithm for accurate multi-target ranging up to 5 meters, cover-chip crosstalk immunity of over 80 cm, and With dynamic stain compensation function. The lowest power consumption is 55 μA at 230 mm, and the longest detection distance is 240 μA at 840 mm.

The VL53L4CD is capable of detecting objects at distances up to 1100 mm in ULP mode with a ranging frequency of 1 Hz and a current consumption of only 55 μA. The ultra-low power driver (STSW-IMG034) makes it easy to set the VL53L4CD FlightSense? sensor to ULP mode for use as an energy-saving proximity detector. Once the sensor detects an object, the driver immediately switches the sensor back to ranging mode, extending the accurate ranging distance from just 1 mm to 1300 mm. It is also equipped with a new generation 18° FoV laser transmitter, which improves performance under ambient light conditions, and its ranging speed can reach 100 Hz. The lowest power consumption is 55 μA at 310 mm, and the longest detection distance is 240 μA at 1090 mm.

Target application

ST ultra-low-power time-of-flight (ToF) sensors can be used in a variety of smart life scenarios such as smart faucets, smart toilets, smart urinals, smart trash cans, coffee machines, and vending machines.

Complete development toolset

ST provides comprehensive application design support services to help users take full advantage of these sensors, speed up product launch, and reduce design risks.

The VL53L1CX development tools include the VL53L1CX expansion board for STM32 Nucleo and two VL53L1CX adapter boards. The VL53L1CX expansion board is a ready-to-use VL53L1CX evaluation kit with an adjustable cover holder and comes with an Arduino UNO R3 connector and complete system software including example code and graphical user interface. Two VL53L1CX breakout boards can be connected via two 10-pin connectors.

The VL53L3CX development tools include the VL53L3CX expansion board for STM32 Nucleo and two VL53L3CX adapter boards. The VL53L3CX expansion board is a ready-to-use VL53L3CX evaluation kit with an adjustable cover holder and comes with an Arduino UNO R3 connector and complete system software including example code and graphical user interface. Two VL53L3CX breakout boards can be connected via two 10-pin connectors.

The VL53L4CD development tools include the VL53L4CD expansion board for STM32 Nucleo and two adapter boards based on VL53L4CD. The VL53L4CD expansion board is a ready-to-use VL53L4CD evaluation kit with an adjustable cover holder and comes with an Arduino UNO R3 connector and complete system software including example code and graphical user interface. Two adapter boards based on VL53L4CD for easy integration.

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