ST's latest time-of-flight ranging sensor for mobile devices with multi-object detection and multi-array scanning

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Across multiple electronic applications, the world's leading semiconductor supplier STMicroelectronics (STMicroelectronics, referred to as ST) announced the third generation of laser distance sensor uses its market-leading technology FlightSense VL53L1. Based on the new silicon patented technology and module-level architecture, the new product introduces optical lenses for the first time on the module. The addition of the lens enhances the sensor Core performance, while opening many new features, including multi-object detection, long-distance glass cover crosstalk noise immunity and programmable multi-zone scanning. These advanced features include sensors for robots, user detection, drones, the Internet of Things, wearables, and more. Performance is improved to the next level.

New sensor The module integrates a new lens system and 940nm VCSEL[1] invisible light source, processor core and SPAD[2] photon detector in a 4.9x2.5x1.56mm package. The new optical lens system enhances the photon detection rate and improves the module's ranging performance. The internal microcontroller manages all ranging functions and runs innovative digital algorithms to minimize main processor overhead and system power consumption, maximizing battery life for mobile devices.

EricAussedat, General Manager of STMicroelectronics Imaging Products, said: "ST time-of-flight ranging sensor Shipments have reached hundreds of millions and are used in more than 70 smartphones and consumer electronics devices. The higher-performance third-generation FlightSense supports many new applications, including human presence detection, while improving sensors for existing applications. performance. ”

The new product VL53L1 completes a measurement operation in just 5ms [3] and is suitable for high-speed ranging applications. About smartphone autofocus, new sensor The detection speed is doubled compared to the first generation. In addition, the VL53L1 will sensor The maximum measurement distance is also doubled to 4.5 meters, which matches the hyperfocal distance of the widely used 21 megapixel lens.

Innovative, high-performance design architecture detects multiple targets within the same scene and enables device manufacturers to turn SPAD sensors The array is subdivided into several sub-areas. These small sensing area client applications provide dual camera stereo vision calculations as well as spatial ranging information required for simple depth map applications.

With other ranging sensors Compared to technology, ST 's new patented algorithms and direct time-of-flight architecture are able to withstand longer crosstalk, making the VL53L1 fully compatible with more glass cover materials and design styles.

For quick integration, the I2C-based VL53L1 module comes with a complete set of software drivers and technical documentation.

The VL53L1 product is available today.