STMicroelectronics P-NUCLEO-53L7A1

Overview

P-NUCLEO-53L7A1 from STMicroelectronics is a complete STM32 Nucleo evaluation kit integrating the VL53L7CX 8×8 multizone Time-of-Flight sensor with 90° diagonal field-of-view, the X-NUCLEO-53L7A1 expansion board, and the NUCLEO-F401RE development board. It supports 60 Hz ranging up to 350 cm, autonomous mode with programmable distance thresholds, and ST's histogram-based cover glass crosstalk immunity beyond 60 cm - enabling low-power user detection in compact consumer devices.

For engineers reviewing the P-NUCLEO-53L7A1 datasheet, P-NUCLEO-53L7A1 pinout (Arduino UNO R3 connectors CN5/CN6/CN8/CN9), P-NUCLEO-53L7A1 application (user presence, gesture, occupancy sensing), or P-NUCLEO-53L7A1 equivalent (e.g., P-NUCLEO-53L1A1), this kit delivers validated hardware-software integration for rapid prototyping of ultrawide FoV ToF applications.

Technical Context

The kit combines two tightly coupled subsystems: the X-NUCLEO-53L7A1 expansion board hosts the VL53L7CX sensor with integrated metasurface lens (DOE) enabling 60° × 60° square FoV projection, while the NUCLEO-F401RE (STM32F401RE MCU) provides real-time control via I²C and GPIO interfaces. The 3.3 V regulator on the expansion board powers the sensor independently.

ST's FlightSense technology ensures absolute distance measurement per zone regardless of target color or reflectance. The VL53L7CX's 8×8 multizone output and autonomous thresholding mode are fully exposed through STSW-IMG037 GUI and embedded firmware examples - eliminating need for custom signal processing stack.

Key Specifications

Availability

P-NUCLEO-53L7A1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for user presence detection, gesture-controlled interfaces, and occupancy-aware smart audio/video systems requiring stable component supply and production-ready evaluation reference.

Supply support for P-NUCLEO-53L7A1 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/mixed-signal products for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

This kit belongs to ST's Nucleo ecosystem and FlightSense ToF platform - engineered specifically to accelerate development of ultrawide-field, low-power proximity and 3D spatial awareness applications in space-constrained personal electronics.

FAQ

Does P-NUCLEO-53L7A1 include both hardware and software?

Yes. The kit ships with the X-NUCLEO-53L7A1 expansion board, NUCLEO-F401RE development board, 0.25/0.5/1 mm spacers, protective cover glass, and full software suite including STSW-IMG037 GUI, firmware examples, and Arduino-compatible drivers - all pre-integrated and tested.

Can the VL53L7CX on this board operate without the NUCLEO-F401RE?

No. The X-NUCLEO-53L7A1 requires external host control: the NUCLEO-F401RE provides necessary I²C communication, GPIO signaling, and power sequencing. The expansion board lacks standalone operation capability and does not include an embedded processor or firmware.

Is the 90° FoV optical performance verified on this kit?

Yes. The 90° diagonal FoV is achieved via the integrated metasurface DOE lens on the VL53L7CX sensor, and its performance - including uniform 8×8 zone coverage and angular response - is validated in ST's DB4871 data brief and confirmed using the included STSW-IMG037 GUI with live zone heatmap visualization.

Are the Arduino UNO R3 connectors electrically compatible with standard shields?

Yes. CN5, CN6, CN8, and CN9 conform to Arduino UNO R3 pinout and voltage levels (3.3 V logic). However, only designated pins (I²C SDA/SCL, GPIO for INT/SHUTDOWN, and 3.3 V/5 V/GND) are routed to the VL53L7CX - full shield compatibility depends on peripheral usage and signal mapping.