06.07.16
STMicroelectronics offers the second generation of its FlightSense technology, now available in the new VL53L0X laser-ranging sensor.
The VL53L0X extends the STMicroelectronics’ Time-of-Flight (ToF) ranging measurement range to two meters, and is accurate to within ±3%. It is also faster, measuring the distance in under 30ms, and highly energy-efficient, consuming only 20mW in active ranging mode and drawing 5µA in standby. At 2.4mm x 4.4mm x 1mm, it is also the smallest such device in the market.
Unlike conventional infrared proximity sensors, the VL53L0X gives accurate distance measurement in millimeters, and is unaffected by the color or reflectivity of the sensed target. Its fast-acting FlightSense technology, known from the laser-assisted camera auto-focus featured in several smartphones from top brands, can also distinguish movement towards or away from the sensor or from side to side.
The sensing capabilities of the VL53L0X can support a wide range of functions including gesture sensing or proximity detection for new innovative user interfaces, wall detection, cliff detection and collision avoidance for robotic appliances such as vacuum cleaners, as well as hands-free actuation of home appliances or washroom devices such as faucets, soap dispensers, hand dryers and flushers. Other applications include user-presence detection for laptops or monitors for power-on/off control, drones, and Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices.
The VL53L0X extends the STMicroelectronics’ Time-of-Flight (ToF) ranging measurement range to two meters, and is accurate to within ±3%. It is also faster, measuring the distance in under 30ms, and highly energy-efficient, consuming only 20mW in active ranging mode and drawing 5µA in standby. At 2.4mm x 4.4mm x 1mm, it is also the smallest such device in the market.
Unlike conventional infrared proximity sensors, the VL53L0X gives accurate distance measurement in millimeters, and is unaffected by the color or reflectivity of the sensed target. Its fast-acting FlightSense technology, known from the laser-assisted camera auto-focus featured in several smartphones from top brands, can also distinguish movement towards or away from the sensor or from side to side.
The sensing capabilities of the VL53L0X can support a wide range of functions including gesture sensing or proximity detection for new innovative user interfaces, wall detection, cliff detection and collision avoidance for robotic appliances such as vacuum cleaners, as well as hands-free actuation of home appliances or washroom devices such as faucets, soap dispensers, hand dryers and flushers. Other applications include user-presence detection for laptops or monitors for power-on/off control, drones, and Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices.
