ST dTOF delivers low-power, consistent range performance.

TOF and Lidar are cheaper than other sensors, making them ideal for self-service payment terminals and consumer electronics.
ST dTOF enables TOF applications utilizing the STM32 development ecosystem.

[Editor's Note] dTOF is a technology that calculates the distance to a target by calculating the time it takes for a laser pulse signal to be transmitted, reflected, and returned. Similar to Lidar, but with a lower price, it is gaining attention in the consumer electronics market. The consumer electronics market also demands low power, small size, consistent distance performance, and a development environment that facilitates easy integration into target systems. STMicroelectronics will present the features and innovative potential of its VL53L7CX TOF sensor, as well as development tools including design resources and software code examples, at the e4ds webinar on April 13th. Before the webinar, we heard from Nam Kyung-tae, ST Vice President, who will be speaking.

▲Nam Kyung-tae, Manager of STMicroelectronics

■ Please introduce dTOF.

Direct TOF is configured as an integrated module, with the transmitter primarily utilizing a 940nm VCSEL as a light source, and the receiver utilizing a SPAD (Single-Photon Avalanche Diode). The time difference between the transmitter's light source striking a target and its return is measured by the module's internal TOF processing engine, which then provides the user with a distance value in millimeters via an I2C or SPI interface.

■ Why is dTOF attracting attention?

The ST TOF product, which comes in the form of a SPAD-based integrated module, offers ultra-small module size, precision, low power, and ease of use, differentiating it from existing distance sensors (ultrasonic sensors). It is also attracting attention because it provides a cost-effective distance sensor suitable for the consumer electronics market, unlike similar LiDAR.

■ What product are we introducing today?

The VL53L7CX sensor introduced today offers up to 64 detection zones for multiple target detection, with each zone measuring up to 350 cm in distance. It also offers a wide, quadrilateral field of view with a 90° slant. The sensor array size can be programmed, and in high-speed 16-zone (4x4) mode, it can deliver up to 60 frames per second.

■ What are the main application areas?

The VL53L7CX supports gesture recognition and automatic human presence detection, making it ideal for wake-up functions in multi-user equipment, such as consumer products and home appliances, in addition to self-service payment terminals. This significantly reduces power consumption while enabling safe, touch-free operation. It is also ideal for applications such as storage tank level monitoring to support inventory management, liquid level control, and bin level monitoring to enhance the efficiency of smart waste collection.

■ What are the key market and industry requirements?

The consumer electronics market prefers TOF products that offer low power, small size, and consistent distance performance, and also requires a development environment that facilitates easy integration into target systems. ST TOF meets the above requirements and supports a comprehensive toolchain, enabling users to easily evaluate and implement TOF applications using the STM32 development ecosystem.

■ What are the main benefits?

The VL53L7CX features a low-power microcontroller and can operate autonomously for energy-saving applications. It is housed in a fully integrated 6.4 mm x 3.0 mm x 1.6 mm module and includes an infrared Vertical Cavity Surface Emission Laser (VCSEL) emitter, a histogram-based ToF processing engine, and a receiver with a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD). With up to 64 detection zones, each capable of measuring up to 350 centimeters in distance, and a 90° oblique field of view, a single TOF sensor can address a wide range of application use cases.

■ What are the differences compared to competitors' products?

Since launching the world's first consumer dTOF in 2013, STMicroelectronics has continued to release various dTOF products into the consumer electronics market. The product introduced this time supports a diagonal field of view of up to 90° using the flat lens technology of Metalens compared to the previously released Multi-Zone FlightSense™ ToF sensor.

■ Please say a word to e4ds readers regarding the content introduced today.

Dear e4ds readers, I'd like to express my gratitude for this opportunity to introduce you to the ST TOF, and in particular, the VL53L7CX, through this webinar. A variety of TOF products are available on ST.com. We hope you'll visit our website, find useful information, and implement your desired functionality with the ST TOF. Thank you.