Note: this product is not recommended for use with 8-bit microcontrollers, and we also therefore do not provide support for it in the form of Arduino libraries as we do our other time-of-flight sensors. The VL53L3CX does not directly provide distance measurements. Instead, it provides histogram data that can be processed with algorithms provided by ST. This processing requires a significant amount of RAM and code space, making this sensor impractical for use with a typical 8-bit microcontroller. (For example, a program we compiled for an STM32F4 microcontroller that does little more than get readings from the VL53L3CX uses 63 KB of flash and 14 KB of global variables in RAM.) For alternatives that are simpler to use and can work with 8-bit microcontrollers, please consider the VL53L1X carrier or VL53L0X carrier.
Overview
The VL53L3CX from ST Microelectronics is a long-distance ranging time-of-flight (TOF) sensor integrated into a compact module. This board is a carrier for the VL53L3CX , so we recommend careful reading of the VL53L3CX datasheet (1MB pdf) before using this product.
The VL53L3CX is effectively a tiny, self-contained lidar system featuring an integrated 940 nm Class 1 laser, which is invisible and eye-safe. Unlike conventional IR sensors that use the intensity of reflected light to estimate the distance to an object, the VL53L3CX uses ST’s FlightSense technology to precisely measure how long it takes for emitted pulses of infrared laser light to reach the objects and be reflected back to a detector. This approach ensures absolute distance measurements independent of ambient lighting conditions and target characteristics (e.g. color, shape, texture, and reflectivity), though these external conditions do affect the maximum range of the sensor.
Under favorable conditions, the sensor can report distances up to 3 m (10 ft) with 1 mm resolution. The minimum ranging distance is 10 mm. Ranging measurements are available through the sensor’s I²C (TWI) interface, which is also used to configure sensor settings, and the sensor provides two additional pins: a shutdown input and an interrupt output.
The VL53L3CX is a great IC, but its small, leadless, LGA package makes it difficult for the typical student or hobbyist to use. It also operates at a recommended voltage of 2.8 V, which can make interfacing difficult for microcontrollers operating at 3.3 V or 5 V. Our breakout board addresses these issues, making it easier to get started using the sensor, while keeping the overall size as small as possible.
The carrier board includes a low-dropout linear voltage regulator that provides the 2.8 V required by the VL53L3CX and allows the sensor to be powered from a 2.6 V to 5.5 V supply. The regulator output is available on the VDD pin and can supply almost 150 mA to external devices. The breakout board also includes a circuit that shifts the I²C clock and data lines to the same logic voltage level as the supplied VIN, making it simple to interface the board with 3.3 V or 5 V systems, and the board’s 0.1? pin spacing makes it easy to use with standard solderless breadboards and 0.1? perfboards.
Features and specifications
- Dimensions: 0.5? × 0.7? × 0.085? (13 mm × 18 mm × 2 mm)
- Weight without header pins: 0.5 g (0.02 oz)
- Operating voltage: 2.6 V to 5.5 V
- Supply current: ~15 mA (typical average during active ranging with default settings)
- Peak current can reach 40 mA
- Maximum range: 3 m (10 ft)
- Resolution: 1 mm
- Minimum range: 10 mm (0.4 in)
- Emitter: 940 nm invisible Class 1 VCSEL (vertical cavity surface-emitting laser) – eye-safe
- Detector: SPAD (single photon avalanche diode) receiving array
- Typical full field of view (FoV): 25°
- Output format (I²C): histogram
Dimensions
- Size: 0.5? × 0.7? × 0.085?1
- Weight: 0.5 g1
General specifications
- Resolution: 1 mm
- Maximum range: 300 cm2
- Minimum range: 1 cm
- Interface: I²C
- Minimum operating voltage: 2.6 V
- Maximum operating voltage: 5.5 V
- Supply current: 15 mA3
Identifying markings
- PCB dev codes: irs11a
- Other markings: 0J9776
Notes:
- 1. Without included optional headers.
- 2. Effective range depends on configuration, target, and environment.
- 3. Typical average during active ranging at 50 Hz; varies with configuration, target, and environment. Peak current can reach 40 mA.
