STMicroelectronics EVALKIT-VL6180X

Overview

EVALKIT-VL6180X from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation kit integrating the VL6180X Time-of-Flight proximity, ranging, and ambient light sensing module with the STM32F401RE Nucleo development board. It enables rapid prototyping of reflectance-independent distance measurement (up to 100 mm), ALS up to 100 klux, and basic gesture recognition using a 4-digit LED display and tactile switch.

For engineers reviewing the EVALKIT-VL6180X datasheet, EVALKIT-VL6180X pinout, EVALKIT-VL6180X application, or EVALKIT-VL6180X equivalent, this kit provides validated I²C interface firmware, Arduino UNO R3-compatible connectivity, dual-sensor expansion capability via VL6180X-SATEL satellite board, and production-ready level-shifting and 2.8 V regulation for VL6180X operation.

Technical Context

The kit combines ST's FlightSense™ ToF sensor architecture-based on single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) and time-to-digital conversion-with the ARM Cortex-M4-based STM32F401RE MCU running at 84 MHz. Sensor data acquisition, display control, and I²C communication are handled by pre-integrated firmware supporting real-time switching between ranging (mm) and ALS (lux) modes.

Hardware-level signal conditioning includes dual ST2329AQTR level shifters for 3.3 V/5 V I/O compatibility, an LD39050PUR 2.8 V LDO regulator for VL6180X power, and discrete P-channel MOSFETs (SI2333) driving the TDCG1050M 4-digit common-anode LED display. The CN5/CN6/CN8/CN9 Arduino R3 headers provide direct access to GPIO, I²C, ADC, and PWM resources.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVALKIT-VL6180X is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for proximity-aware user interfaces, industrial presence detection, ambient light adaptive displays, and embedded gesture prototyping requiring stable component supply and full firmware integration support.

Supply support for EVALKIT-VL6180X 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 headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, sensors, power ICs, and analog devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

This kit belongs to ST's Nucleo ecosystem and FlightSense™ evaluation platform, designed to accelerate development of low-power, high-accuracy optical sensing solutions for human-machine interaction and environmental monitoring.

FAQ

Does EVALKIT-VL6180X support dual VL6180X sensor configurations?

Yes - the kit includes a dedicated 6-pin header and documented flying-wire connection points for adding a VL6180X-SATEL satellite board. GPIO0_EXT (PA10) enables independent chip-enable control of the second sensor, while shared I²C and GPIO1 lines allow synchronized operation. Firmware support for dual-sensor mode is available in updated software releases from ST's VL6180X design resource portal.

What voltage levels does the kit support for host MCU interfacing?

The kit supports both 3.3 V and 5 V host systems via dual ST2329AQTR level shifters. I²C lines (SCL/SDA), display control signals, and GPIOs are translated to match the VL6180X's 2.8 V logic domain. The IOREF pin on CN6 auto-configures level shifter reference voltage, enabling seamless use with Arduino Uno (5 V) or STM32 Nucleo (3.3 V) boards without hardware modification.

Is the 4-digit LED display directly driven by the STM32F401RE?

Yes - the TDCG1050M display is multiplexed using eight PA/PB/PC GPIOs: four digit-select lines (PA0–PB0) and seven segment lines plus decimal point (PA7–PB5, PA9, PC7). Segment current is limited by 300 Ω resistors, and digit anodes are switched via SI2333 P-channel MOSFETs controlled by PA0–PB0. No external display driver IC is used.

Can the kit be used for Class 1 laser-compliant end products?

Yes - the VL6180X sensor complies with IEC 60825-1:2007 Class 1 laser safety requirements under all specified operating conditions. The kit maintains this classification when used within datasheet limits: no optical focusing, no firmware modifications increasing laser drive, and adherence to recommended VDD/VDD_IO and temperature ranges. ST's Class 1 label and laser notice documentation are included in the kit's safety chapter.