Next-generation laser provides excellent short-distance measurement accuracy even in high ambient light environments
High-precision distance measurement up to 1,150 mm across the entire field of view and extended temperature range

STMicroelectronics (ST) announced on the 23rd that it has launched the VL53L4ED single-zone ToF (Time-of-Flight) sensor that extends the operating temperature range from -40°C to 105°C.

Suitable for harsh environmental conditions, the VL53L4ED provides enhanced proximity detection and ranging capabilities in applications such as industrial tools, smart factory equipment, robot guidance systems, outdoor lighting control, and security systems, even in high ambient light environments.

The VL53L4ED expands ST’s VL53L4 direct-ToF (dToF) sensor family, integrating a laser emitter and a Single-Photon Avalanche-Diode (SPAD) detector array into a convenient all-in-one module that ensures reliable measurements even under extreme temperature conditions.

The next-generation laser delivers improved performance and superior short-range measurement accuracy even in high ambient light environments.

Additionally, the processor embedded in this sensor supports power-saving autonomous operation and reduces the burden on host system resources.

ST's new ToF sensor enables high-precision distance measurements of objects up to 1,150 mm away, across the entire field of view and an extended temperature range. <br />
Special settings allow for accurate distance measurements of up to 800 mm even in conditions of strong ambient light.

The VL53L4ED sensor maintains distance measurement linearity down to 1 mm and supports distance measurement frequencies up to 100 Hz.

Developers can accelerate projects using the VL53L4 sensor family by leveraging the X-CUBE-TOF1 expansion software package for the STM32Cube ecosystem.

This ready-to-use software also includes the STSW-IMG034 driver, which enables interrupt commands to turn the VL53L4ED or VL53L4CD into an ultra-low-power proximity sensor for user detection, system activation, and touchless control.

The STSW-IMG039 software pack also contains code examples for liquid level monitoring.

Hardware provided includes the X-NUCLEO-53L4A3 expansion board to support the NUCLEO-F401RE microcontroller board, which runs code examples and facilitates application implementation, and the SATEL-VL53L4ED breakout board to support prototyping.