STMicroelectronics unveils new multi-zone ranging TOF sensor with large field of view at "camera level"

The new VL53L7CX features a native 64 (8 x 8) sensing zones to range multiple objects within each zone up to a maximum measurement distance of 350 cm. ST's patented histogram algorithm detects and measures multiple objects within the field of view, with smudge-proof capability of more than 60 cm. Sensor linearity and measurement data consistency are excellent when the minimum measurement distance is 2 cm.

On 20 July, STMicroelectronics launched a new FlightSense? multi-zone range sensor with a field of view of 90°. With a 33% larger field of view than its predecessor, this optical sensor brings lifelike scene awareness to home automation, home appliances, computers, robots, and smart devices used in shops, factories and more.

Alexandre Balmefezol, executive vice president and general manager of the Imaging Subdivision of the Analogue, MEMS and Sensor Products Group at STMicroelectronics, said: "This time-of-flight multi-zone ranging sensor enables complex scene awareness with FlightSense technology, while requiring low system power and arithmetic. The expanded field of view provides users with greater design flexibility while maintaining accuracy, resolution and simplicity."

Unlike some dedicated camera sensors, time-of-flight (ToF) sensors, represented by this new STMicroelectronics product, the VL53L7CX, do not capture an image and, therefore, safeguard the user's personal privacy.The VL53L7CX enlarges the field of view to an unprecedented 90° (diagonal), which is almost at the level of a camera, and enhances the ability to sense the periphery of the scene, boosting the presence detection and system activation performance, for example, activating a screen or waking up a device such as an oven or coffee maker.

ST's FlightSense multi-zone sensors offer powerful capabilities for 3D scene imaging and simultaneous distance measurement to multiple objects within multiple zones. Thanks to its multi-zone ranging capabilities and motion indicator, the sensor can be used in areas such as people detection tracking, behind-the-back peeping warnings, space occupancy detection, and warehouse/parking management.

This new sensor can also track and record filled and empty bins, improving the performance of applications such as smart waste management systems. It can also improve robotic performance for floor sensing, cliff prediction, obstacle avoidance and small object detection. Other applications include projector keystone correction and improved gesture recognition using the STGesture? software package to extend hand tracking.

Technical Details

The new VL53L7CX features a native 64 (8 x 8) sensing zones, allowing ranging of multiple objects within each zone up to a maximum measurement distance of 350 cm. ST's patented histogram algorithm detects and measures multiple objects within the field-of-view, with smudge-proof capability of more than 60 cm. Sensor linearity and measurement data consistency are excellent when the minimum measurement distance is 2 cm.

In low-power mode, the sensor consumes only 5.4 mW. In addition, the VL53L7CX can support an autonomous operating mode that allows the master control system to power down and wake up the system only when a threshold is reached. Thresholds include distance to the nearest object, signal rate and detection of moving objects. The pins and drivers of the new sensor are compatible with the previous generation device, the VL53L5CX.

ST offers comprehensive application design support services to help users take full advantage of these sensors and accelerate time-to-market while reducing design risk. These support services include the VL53L7CX expansion board (X-NUCLEO-53L7A1) and a development kit consisting of the VL53L7CX expansion board and the STM32F401 Nucleo? development board. To facilitate the integration of sensors and the rapid development of product prototypes, ST also offers the SATEL-VL53L7CX, a small-size sensor evaluation board.

To facilitate the development of applications, ST also offers a complete software suite including Ultra Lite drivers, Linux drivers and STGesture? code samples. The STM32 microcontroller rapid programming software package X-CUBE-TOF1 contains application code samples and is compatible with STM32CubeMX tools.

The VL53L7CX is now in production in a miniature optical 6.4mm x 3.0mm x 1.6mm LGA16 package.