STMicroelectronics VL53L8CX 8x8 Multi-area Time of Flight sensor

The STMicroelectronics VL53L8CX 8x8 Multi-zone time-of-flight sensor improves performance in ambient light and reduces power consumption. The VL53L8CX is based on ST's FlightSense technology and is designed to provide accurate ranging up to 400cm with a 65° diagonal FoV. VL53L8CX can measure absolute distances regardless of target color and reflectance.

The VL53L8CX integrates a powerful new generation VCSEL and two advanced metasurface lenses. Integrated modules support a wider range of high performance use cases, such as low power system activation, gesture recognition, robotic SLAM, level monitoring, and more.

The ST VL53L8CX ToF sensor uses a patented algorithm to detect and track multiple targets within a FoV using a 64-area depth survey. Histogram ensures crosstalk immunity of glass cover is higher than 60cm. The sensor helps SPI and I2C interfaces achieve high frequency frame rates and short startup times. The VL53L8CX VCSEL emits completely invisible 940nm infrared light and is certified Class 1 for eye safety.

Features

● New generation multi-zone ToF (Time of Flight) sensors with low power consumption and enhanced ranging performance
-   Multi-zone distance measurement feature with 4x4 or 8x8 independent zones
-   Autonomous low power mode with programmable interrupt threshold to wake up the host
-   Ranging up to 400cm with enhanced performance in ambient light
-   Multi-target detection and range measurement in each area
-   Histogram processing and algorithm compensation can minimize or eliminate the effect of cover glass crosstalk
-   Each area motion indicator is used to show whether the target is moving and how
-   Frame rate capability: 60Hz

● Easy integration
-   Weldable element
-   A 1.8V core power supply and a 3.3V AVDD power supply are required
-   Optional 1.2V or 1.8V IOVDD interface voltage level
-   I2C (up to 1MHz) or SPI (up to 20MHz) interface
-   Compatible with all kinds of cover glass materials
-   Can be hidden behind a dark glass cover

● Fully integrated micromodule with wide FoV (field of view)
-   New generation, 940nm high power transmitter, invisible VCSEL (vertical cavity surface emitting laser) and integrated analog driver
-   65° diagonal square FoV, using DOE (diffused optical element) on both transmitter and receiver
-   Receiving SPAD array (single photon avalanche Diode)
-   Low power microcontroller running firmware
-   Size: 6.4mm x 3.0mm x 1.75mm

Applications

● Robotics applications in harsh environments include SLAM, wall tracking, small object detection, cliff prediction, and floor pattern recognition
● System activation under ambient light for smart buildings and smart lighting
● Content management for storage tanks, truck loads, and trash cans
● Liquid level monitoring
● Gesture recognition
● Keystone correction of video projector
● Devices requiring better ambient light immunity
● Augmented reality/virtual reality augmented
● Benefit from multi-zone distance measurement, dual camera stereo photography and 3D depth assistance
● Internet of Things and battery powered devices for user and object detection
● LF (laser-assisted Autofocus), which improves the speed and robustness of the camera's AF system, especially in low-light or low-contrast scenes