STMicroelectronics has introduced a single-zone Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor with an extended operating temperature range from -40°C to 105°C for industrial and harsh environments.
The ST VL53L4ED ToF sensor can be used for proximity detection and ranging up to 1150mm under high ambient light conditions in applications such as industrial tools, smart-factory equipment, robot guidance systems, outdoor lighting controls, and security systems.
The VL53L4ED integrates a laser emitter and a single-photon avalanche-diode (SPAD) detector array in a module which ensures reliable measurement even in extended temperature conditions where photonics can be vulnerable.
All the sensors in the VL53L4 series are pin-compatible and offered in a 4.4mm x 2.4mm x 1mm-high LGA package.
The next-generation laser provides enhanced performance in high ambient light environments and excellent short-distance ranging accuracy. In addition, the sensor embeds a processor that allows power-saving autonomous operation and lowers demand for host-system resources.
Special settings allow accurate distance measurement up to 800mm under strong ambient light conditions and the sensor maintains distance-measurement linearity down to 1mm and supports ranging frequency up to 100Hz.
Developers can take advantage of the X-CUBE-TOF1 expansion software package for the STM32Cube ecosystem to accelerate projects using the VL53L4 sensor family. Ready-to-use software includes as well the STSW-IMG034 driver that lets an interrupt command turn the VL53L4ED or VL53L4CD into an ultra-low-power proximity detector for user detection, system activation, and touchless control. In addition, the STSW-IMG039 software pack contains code examples for liquid-level monitoring. Hardware includes the X-NUCLEO-53L4A3 expansion board for the NUCLEO-F401RE microcontroller board, which eases running code examples and building applications, as well as the SATEL-VL53L4ED breakout board for prototyping.
The VL53L4ED ToF sensor is in production now, priced from $2.30 for 4500 pieces.
www.st.com/en/imaging-and-photonics-solutions/vl53l4ed.html