STMicroelectronics releases new multi-zone ranging TOF sensor with “camera-level” wide field of view

Bring realistic scene perception functions to various smart devices

Up to 90-degree field of view, enhanced privacy protection functions for multi-zone ranging, object detection and scene imaging

July 20, 2023, China - STMicroelectronics (ST;), a world-leading semiconductor company serving multiple electronic applications, launched a new FlightSense™ multi-zone ranging sensor with a field of view of 90° . The field of view of this optical sensor is 33% larger than that of the previous generation product, bringing realistic scene perception capabilities to home automation, home appliances, computers, robots, and smart devices used in stores, factories, and other places.

Alexandre Balmefezol, executive vice president and general manager of the Imaging Sub-Product Group in the Analog, MEMS and Sensors Products Group at STMicroelectronics, said: “This time-of-flight multi-zone ranging sensor enables complex scene perception with FlightSense technology while maintaining system power and computing power. Lower force requirements. The expanded field of view provides users with greater design flexibility while maintaining accuracy, resolution and simplicity.”

Unlike some dedicated camera sensors, time-of-flight (ToF) sensors represented by STMicroelectronics' new product VL53L7CX do not capture images, so users' personal privacy can be protected. VL53L7CX expands the field of view to an unprecedented 90° (diagonal), which is almost equivalent to the level of a camera, enhances the perception of the scene periphery, and improves presence detection and system activation performance, such as activating the screen or waking up the oven, Coffee machines and other equipment.

STMicroelectronics’ FlightSense multi-zone sensor offers powerful capabilities for imaging 3D scenes and measuring distances to multiple objects in multiple zones simultaneously. With its multi-zone ranging function and motion indicator, the sensor can be used in areas such as people detection and tracking, peeping warnings, space occupancy detection, and warehousing/parking management.

The new sensor can also track full and empty bins, improving the performance of applications such as smart waste management systems. It can also improve the robot’s floor sensing, cliff prediction, obstacle avoidance and small object detection performance. Other applications include projector keystone correction and improved gesture recognition using the STGesture™ software package to extend hand tracking range.

Technical details

The new VL53L7CX has native 64 (8 x 8) sensing areas, which can measure the distance of multiple objects in each area, with a maximum measuring distance of 350cm. STMicroelectronics’ patented histogram algorithm can detect and measure multiple objects within the field of view, with smear resistance exceeding 60cm. When the minimum measurement distance is 2cm, the sensor linearity and measurement data consistency are excellent.

In low-power mode, the sensor consumes only 5.4mW. In addition, VL53L7CX can support autonomous working mode, allowing the main control system to turn off the power and wake up the system only when the threshold is reached. Thresholds include distance to the nearest object, signal rate, and detection of moving objects. The new sensor is pin- and driver-compatible with the previous generation device, the VL53L5CX.

STMicroelectronics provides comprehensive application design support services to help users take full advantage of these sensors, accelerate time to market, and reduce design risks. These support services include the VL53L7CX expansion board (X-NUCLEO-53L7A1) and a development kit consisting of the VL53L7CX expansion board and the STM32F401 Nucleo™ development board. To facilitate users to integrate sensors and quickly develop product prototypes, STMicroelectronics also provides a small-size sensor evaluation board SATEL-VL53L7CX.

To facilitate user development of applications, STMicroelectronics also provides a complete set of software, including Ultra Lite drivers, Linux drivers and STGesture™ code samples. The STM32 microcontroller quick programming software package X-CUBE-TOF1 contains application code examples and is compatible with the STM32CubeMX tool.

The VL53L7CX is now in production and comes in a tiny 6.4mm x 3.0mm x 1.6mm optical LGA16 package.

To learn more about the VL53L7CX, its features, product innovation opportunities, and supporting software and hardware development resources, please watch the video replay of the time-of-flight sensing webinar.

*STM32 is a registered and/or unregistered trademark of STMicroElectronics International NV or its affiliates in the EU and/or elsewhere. In particular, the STM32 is registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.