If you want to detect Obstacles with your drones then theĀ VL53L0X TOF-basedĀ Distance Laser Lidar/RangefinderĀ is a quite good solution.No matter If you are a newbie, you can learn more things about this distance sensor.
TheĀ VL53L0XĀ is a new generation Time-of-Flight (ToF) laser-ranging module housed in theĀ smallest package on the market today, providing accurate distance measurement whatever the target reflectances, unlike conventional technologies. It can measure absolute distances up to 2m, setting a new benchmark in ranging performance levels, opening the door to various new applications.
TheĀ VL53L0XĀ integrates a leading-edge SPAD array (Single Photon Avalanche Diodes) and embeds STās second-generation FlightSenseTM patented technology. TheĀ VL53L0Xās 940 nm VCSEL emitter (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser), is totally invisibleĀ to the human eye, coupled with internal physical infrared filters, enabling longer-ranging distances, higher immunity to ambient light, and better robustness to cover glass optical crosstalk.
Where to Use VL53L0X Sensor?
TheĀ VL53L0X sensorĀ got very popular after it was first used inĀ iPhone 7Ā forĀ 3D imagingĀ and Apple is still using this sensor in its latest mobile phones. It can detect an object within its range even the objectās surface is highly reflective hence measuring distance accurately. It has an integrated Single Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPAD) array. This array is fast and is able to distinguish between different photons with less lag/jitter i.e within a few tens of picoseconds. The time-of-flight technology used in this sensor is STās second-gen FlightSense technology. The laser used here is aĀ 940 nmĀ Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) which is invisible and safe for the human eyes. The integrated IR filters enhance the long-range and increase immunity to the ambiance and give good prevention from glass optical crosstalk.
This module has 4 pins VCC, GND, SCL, and SDA. The board has aĀ 2.8VĀ linear regulatorĀ and integrated level shifter so, it can bear a voltage in the range ofĀ 2.6V to 5.5V. It uses I2C protocol to communicate thatās why Serial Clock Line (SCL) and Serial Data Address (SDA) pins are there to communicate with the microcontroller.
How to Use VL53L0X Sensor
This sensor is easy to use and can be easily incorporated. The module can be powered by a source ofĀ 2.6V to 5.5V which is then regulated toĀ 2.8VĀ using the onboard regulator. For communication, you can use theĀ I2C communication pins provided. The sensor can easily be implemented by most of the microcontrollers. More details can be found at theĀ VL53L0XĀ datasheetĀ linked below.
Note: Product may vary in terms of color we will ship it according to availability.
Applications
- Obstacle detection in robotics.
- Hand detection in hand driers, soap dispensers, faucets, etc.
- Gesture recognition in one dimension.
- Widely used in-camera autofocus to enhance the camera performance in low light or fast-moving objects conditions.
- Used as a proximity sensor in many phones.
Connection Diagram of VL53L0X TOF with Arduino:
Pin Description:
| Pin Number | Pin Name | Description |
| 1 | VIN | The power supply for the board can be powered by 2.6V to 5.5V |
| 2 | GND | The ground of the module |
| 3 | SCL | Serial Clock Line pin, used for I2C communication |
| 4 | SDA | Serial Data Address pin, used for I2C communication |
Features:
- 940 nm safe and long-ranging laser VCSEL
- In-built 2.8V linear voltage regulator
- Fast and accurate distance ranging. It can measure up to 2m
- Prevents optical cross-talk efficiently.
- Easy integration with microcontrollers because of I2C.
