ToF sensor operates over extended temperature range

STMicroelectronics has unveiled its VL53L4ED single-zone time-of-flight (ToF) sensor, with an extended operating temperature range from -40°C to 105°C. Targeting harsh industrial applications, the new direct-ToF sensor delivers proximity detection and ranging under high ambient light conditions in applications such as industrial tools, smart-factory equipment, robot guidance systems, outdoor lighting controls and security systems.

(Source: STMicroelectronics)

The VL53L4ED, part of ST’s VL53L4 family of direct-ToF sensors, integrates a laser emitter and a single-photon avalanche-diode (SPAD) detector array in an all-in-one module, which ensures reliable measurement even in extreme temperature conditions, ST said.

In addition, the next-generation laser is reported to provide enhanced performance in high ambient light environments and short-distance ranging accuracy. The sensors also embed a processor that allows power-saving autonomous operation and lowers demand for host-system resources.

The VL53L4ED sensor provides high-accuracy distance measurement to objects up to 1,150 mm away, over the entire 18° field of view and full extended temperature range. Special settings allow accurate distance measurement up to 800 mm under strong ambient light conditions. Other features include distance-measurement linearity down to 1 mm and ranging frequency up to 100 Hz.

Developer tools include the X-CUBE-TOF1 expansion software package for the STM32Cube ecosystem; ready-to-use software, which also includes the STSW-IMG034 driver that turns the VL53L4ED or VL53L4CD into an ultra-low-power proximity detector for user detection, system activation and touchless control; and the STSW-IMG039 software pack with code examples for liquid-level monitoring. Hardware includes the X-NUCLEO-53L4A3 expansion board for the NUCLEO-F401RE microcontroller board and the SATEL-VL53L4ED breakout board for prototyping.

All VL53L4 sensors are pin-compatible and offered in a 4.4 × 2.4 × 1-mm LGA package. The VL53L4ED is in production now, priced from $2.30 in quantities of 4,500.