GY-VL53L0XV2V VL53L0X Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor Breakout Module

GY-VL53L0XV2V VL53L0X Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor Breakout Module can be used for easy integration into your devices and basic gesture detection applications. Thanks to its 2.8V regulator and level shifters, the VL53L0X satellite board can be used in any application with a 2.8 to 5V supply.

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.

Unlike sonars that bounce ultrasonic waves, the ‘cone’ of sense is very narrow. Unlike IR distance sensors that try to measure the amount of light bounced, the VL53L0x is much more precise and doesn’t have linearity problems or ‘double imaging’ where you can’t tell if an object is very far or very close.

The PCB section supporting the VL53L0X module is perforated so that developers can break off the mini PCB for use in a 2.8V supply application using flying leads. This makes it easier to integrate into development and evaluation devices due to its small form factor.

The module is designed for low-power operation. Ranging measurements can be automatically performed at user-defined intervals. Multiple thresholds and interrupt schemes are supported to minimize host operations. Serial port and PWM to read the data code: STM32, Arduino, 51 MCU.

Note that due to the infrared will be affected by the outside light, in the light will affect the maximum range of measurement, will not affect the measurement accuracy. Default configuration: serial baud rate 9600, automatic output, high precision mode. When using, please remove the sensor film.

VL53L0X Overview:

The VL53L0X is the latest product based on ST’s patented FlightSense™ technology. This is a ground-breaking technology allowing absolute distance to be measured independent of target reflectance. Instead of estimating the distance by measuring the amount of light reflected back from the object (which is significantly influenced by color and surface), the VL53L0X precisely measures the time the light takes to travel to the nearest object and reflect back to the sensor (Time-of-Flight). Combining an IR emitter and a range sensor, the VL53L0X is easy to integrate and saves OEMs long and costly optical and mechanical design optimizations.

Note: The VL53L0X is delivered with a liner, in order to prevent potential foreign material to penetrate inside the modules holes during the assembly process. It must be removed at the latest possible step during final assembly, and anyway before module calibration.

Useful Links: Code and Libraries

Features:

1. VL53L0X 3-in-1 ranging and gesture detection sensor
2. Regulator: 5 to 2.8V range input voltage (output voltage: 2.8V)
3. VL53L0X signal interface level shifter
4. Serial Port PWM Output
5. True distance measurement independent of target size and reflectance
6. Able to function in multi-module applications
7. Small size mini-PCB
8. Breakout board, easy to integrate into the customer device
9. Allows basic gesture recognition use case.

Package Includes:

1 x GY-VL53L0XV2V VL53L0X Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor Breakout Module

1 x Jumper Connector (without soldered).