ST Presents 2nd Gen ToF Ranger Working at 940nm Wavelength

GlobeNewsWire: STMicroelectronics releases its second-generation FlightSense sensor for mobile devices. The new VL53L0 is faster, working over longer distances, and more accurate.

With its form factor of 4.4 x 2.4 x 1mm, the 6-pin packaged VL53L0 is said to be the smallest ToF module in the world, and the first to integrate a 940nm VCSEL light source, a SPAD photon detector, and an advanced microcontroller to manage the complete ranging function. Being the market's first module to use light emitted at 940nm, coupled to leading-edge infrared filters, the VL53L0 is said to deliver best-in-class ambient light immunity and is now invisible to the human eye.

"ST technology advancements in Time-of-Flight ranging sensors are enhancing the experience for millions of consumers, revolutionizing the way they take pictures and videos with their smartphones and tablets," said Eric Aussedat, GM of ST's Imaging Division. "ST introduced the first fully-integrated Time-of-Flight ranging sensor to the market in 2014, which was then successfully adopted by several leading OEMs for the laser-assisted autofocus function. Today, with the VL53L0, our next generation, ST is redefining the benchmark in ranging performance and creating the opportunity to develop new applications in robotics and the IoT."

The VL53L0 is able to perform a full measurement operation in one image frame, typically less than 30ms, at distances beyond 2m. With such performance levels the camera system can achieve instant focus in both video and burst modes, even in low-light or low-contrast scenes.

The VL53L0 is in production and available now, priced from $1.75 at the minimum order quantity of 5,000 units.