STMicroelectronics 53L0-SATEL-I1

Overview

53L0-SATEL-I1 from STMicroelectronics is a pair of satellite evaluation boards built around the VL53L0X Time-of-Flight (ToF) ranging and gesture detection sensor, featuring integrated 5V-to-2.8V regulation, bidirectional I²C level shifting, and a perforated mini-PCB design for mechanical breakaway. It enables rapid prototyping of proximity sensing and basic gesture recognition in 2.8V–5V systems.

For engineers reviewing the 53L0-SATEL-I1 datasheet, 53L0-SATEL-I1 pinout, 53L0-SATEL-I1 application, or 53L0-SATEL-I1 equivalent, this board supports quick integration into embedded motion-aware devices, low-power distance-triggered interfaces, and multi-sensor ToF deployments where mechanical modularity and supply flexibility are critical.

Technical Context

The 53L0-SATEL-I1 implements ST's FlightSense™ Time-of-Flight architecture via the VL53L0X sensor, measuring absolute distance independent of target reflectance by timing infrared pulse round-trip duration. It includes an integrated LDO regulator (5 V input → 2.8 V output) and dual-channel bidirectional logic-level shifter for I²C (SDA/SCL) between 2.8 V and 5 V domains.

Its PCB is mechanically divisible along a scored line to isolate the 12 mm × 12 mm "mini-PCB" containing only the VL53L0X, regulator, level shifter, and decoupling components-enabling direct integration via flying leads into space-constrained 2.8 V applications without external voltage translation.

Key Specifications

Availability

53L0-SATEL-I1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for proximity-triggered UIs, industrial presence detection, robotics obstacle avoidance, and embedded gesture control requiring stable component supply and fast evaluation turnaround.

Supply support for 53L0-SATEL-I1 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, sensors, power management ICs, and analog/mixed-signal devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

The 53L0-SATEL-I1 belongs to ST's FlightSense™ evaluation hardware family, engineered to accelerate adoption of VL53L0X-based ToF sensing in compact, low-voltage, and multi-supply embedded systems.

FAQ

Is the 53L0-SATEL-I1 a sensor IC or an evaluation board?

The 53L0-SATEL-I1 is a pair of satellite evaluation boards-not a bare IC. Each board integrates the VL53L0X sensor, a 5V-to-2.8V regulator, and I²C level shifters on a mechanically divisible PCB. It is designed for hardware validation and system integration, not as a replaceable semiconductor component.

Can the 53L0-SATEL-I1 operate directly from a 2.8 V supply?

No-the board requires a 5 V input to power its onboard regulator, which generates the 2.8 V rail for the VL53L0X. However, after breaking along the scored line, the isolated mini-PCB (containing only VL53L0X, bypass caps, and level shifter) can be powered directly at 2.8 V using flying leads, bypassing the regulator entirely.

What interface protocol does the 53L0-SATEL-I1 support?

The board supports standard I²C communication at 100 kHz or 400 kHz, with bidirectional level shifting on SDA and SCL lines. No UART, SPI, or GPIO-based ranging control is implemented-the VL53L0X remains a pure I²C slave device, consistent with its native interface specification.

Does the 53L0-SATEL-I1 include firmware or calibration data?

No-the board contains no onboard microcontroller or flash memory. The VL53L0X ships pre-calibrated from ST and operates using factory-programmed internal firmware. All configuration, ranging control, and gesture processing must be handled externally by the host MCU via I²C commands and register writes per the VL53L0X datasheet.