2490

VL53L0X Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor Carrier with Voltage Regulator, 200cm Max

£10.69 £8.91

This sensor is a carrier/breakout board for ST’s VL53L0X laser-ranging sensor, which measures the range to a target object up to 2 m away.

The VL53L0X uses time-of-flight measurements of infrared pulses for ranging, allowing it to give accurate results independent of the target’s color and surface. Distance measurements can be read through a digital I²C interface.

The board has a 2.8 V linear regulator and integrated level-shifters that allow it to work over an input voltage range of 2.6 V to 5.5 V, and the 0.1″ pin spacing makes it easy to use with standard solderless breadboards and 0.1″ perfboards.

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The VL53L0X from ST Microelectronics is a time-of-flight ranging system integrated into a compact module. This board is a carrier for the VL53L0X, so we recommend careful reading of the VL53L0X datasheet (1MB pdf) before using this product.

The VL53L0 uses ST’s FlightSense technology to precisely measure how long it takes for emitted pulses of infrared laser light to reach the nearest object and be reflected back to a detector, so it can be considered a tiny, self-contained lidar system. This time-of-flight (TOF) measurement enables it to accurately determine the absolute distance to a target without the object’s reflectance greatly influencing the measurement. The sensor can report distances of up to 2 m (6.6 ft) with 1 mm resolution, but its effective range and accuracy (noise) depend heavily on ambient conditions and target characteristics like reflectance and size, as well as the sensor configuration. (The sensor’s accuracy is specified to range from ±3% at best to over ±10% in less optimal conditions.)

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 VL53L0X 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 VL53L0X, which 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. The board ships fully populated with its SMD components, including the VL53L0X, as shown in the product picture.

Dimensions

Size: 0.5″ × 0.7″ × 0.085″1
Weight: 0.5 g1

General specifications

Resolution: 1 mm
Maximum range: 200 cm2
Interface: I²C
Minimum operating voltage: 2.6 V
Maximum operating voltage: 5.5 V
Supply current: 10 mA3

Identifying markings

PCB dev codes: irs11a
Other PCB markings: 0J9776

Notes:

1  Without included optional headers.

2  Effective range depends on configuration, target, and environment.

3  Typical average during active ranging; varies with configuration, target, and environment. Peak current can reach 40 mA.

Resources

VL53L0X datasheet (1MB pdf)Datasheet for the ST VL53L0X time-of-flight ranging sensor.

UM2309: VL53L0X API user manual (1MB pdf)
Schematic diagram of the VL53L0X/VL53L1X Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor Carrier (110k pdf)

Dimension diagram of the VL53L0X/VL53L1X Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor Carrier with Voltage Regulator (153k pdf)