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

DESCRIPTION

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 colour 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.”³ pin spacing makes it easy to use with standard solderless breadboards and 0.”³ perfboards.

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. The 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.”³ pin spacing makes it easy to use with standard solderless breadboards and 0.”³ perfboards.

Please Note:

• 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 before using this product.

FEATURES

• Resolution: 1 mm
• Maximum range: 2 m (Effective range depends on configuration, target, and environment)
• Interface: I²C
• Minimum operating voltage: 2.6 V
• Maximum operating voltage: 5.5 V
• Supply current: 10 mA (Typical average during active ranging; varies with configuration, target, and environment. Peak current can reach 40 mA)
• Size: 0.5″— 0.7″— 0.085″ (Without included optional headers)
• Weight: 0.5 g

RESOURCES

Resource Downloads:

• VL53L0X datasheet
• AN4846: Using multiple VL53L0X in a single design
• UM10204 I²C-bus specification and user manual
• VL53L0X Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor Carrier schematic diagram
• Dimension diagram of the VL53L0X Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor Carrier with Voltage Regulator, 200cm Max
• 3D model of the VL53L0X Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor Carrier with Voltage Regulator, 200cm Max
• Drill guide for the VL53L0X Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor Carrier with Voltage Regulator, 200cm Max

Recommended Links:

• VL53L0X library for Arduino
• VL53L0X documentation
• VL53L0X API (STSW-IMG005)
• VL53L0X API port for Raspberry Pi
• More VL53L0X Time-of-flight sensor product details