STMicroelectronics P-NUCLEO-6180A1

Overview

P-NUCLEO-6180A1 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation pack integrating the STM32F401RE Nucleo board and the X-NUCLEO-6180A1 expansion board featuring the VL6180 Time-of-Flight proximity sensor, a 4-digit LED display for real-time distance readout in mm, I²C interface, and Arduino Uno R3 compatibility. It enables rapid prototyping of absolute ranging applications independent of target reflectance.

For engineers reviewing the P-NUCLEO-6180A1 datasheet, P-NUCLEO-6180A1 pinout, P-NUCLEO-6180A1 application, or P-NUCLEO-6180A1 equivalent, this kit delivers validated hardware-software integration for VL6180-based proximity sensing, supports multi-sensor expansion via three breakout connectors, and includes GUI (STSW-IMG012) and firmware (X-CUBE-6180A1) for immediate evaluation.

Technical Context

The P-NUCLEO-6180A1 combines the STM32F401RE (ARM Cortex-M4, 84 MHz, 512 KB Flash, 96 KB RAM) with the VL6180 FlightSense sensor - a Class 1 laser-based ToF device measuring absolute distance up to 100 mm with ±3 mm accuracy at 100 mm, independent of surface reflectance. The system uses I²C (SCL/SDA on PB8/PB9) for sensor communication and provides four configurable GPIO interrupt lines (INT_B, INT, INT_L, INT_R) routed to Arduino headers.

Power is managed via a dedicated 2.8 V regulator for the VL6180 and level shifters for I/O voltage adaptation between the 3.3 V MCU and sensor logic. The expansion board supports stacking with other Nucleo add-ons through duplicated interrupt routing and solder bridge options for pin conflict resolution.

Key Specifications

Availability

P-NUCLEO-6180A1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial presence detection, robotics obstacle avoidance, touchless user interface development, and embedded proximity sensing applications requiring stable component supply and rapid evaluation capability.

Supply support for P-NUCLEO-6180A1 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, and analog devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The P-NUCLEO-6180A1 belongs to ST's Nucleo ecosystem - a family of low-cost, Arduino-compatible evaluation platforms built to accelerate prototyping with STM32 MCUs and ST sensor/actuator expansion boards.

FAQ

Does P-NUCLEO-6180A1 include software and drivers?

Yes. ST provides the STSW-IMG012 GUI software for real-time sensor configuration and data visualization, plus the X-CUBE-6180A1 firmware package containing HAL-based example code, VL6180 drivers, and integration with STM32CubeMX. Both are freely downloadable from www.st.com under the Tools & Software section for VL6180.

Can multiple VL6180 sensors operate simultaneously on this board?

Yes. The X-NUCLEO-6180A1 expansion board supports one onboard VL6180 and up to three additional VL6180-SATEL breakout boards via dedicated connectors. All four sensors share the same I²C bus but use individual interrupt lines (GPIO1_B, GPIO1_L, GPIO1_R) for asynchronous event handling and address differentiation.

What are the power requirements and voltage domains?

The NUCLEO-F401RE supplies 3.3 V and 5 V via Arduino headers. The X-NUCLEO-6180A1 uses a dedicated 2.8 V LDO regulator for the VL6180 sensor and includes bidirectional level shifters to interface its 2.8 V logic with the MCU's 3.3 V I/O. No external power supply is needed beyond the Nucleo board's USB or VIN input.

Is laser safety certification documented for this evaluation kit?

Yes. The integrated VL6180 sensor is certified as a Class 1 laser product per IEC 60825-1:2007 and 21 CFR 1040.10/1040.11 (with FDA Laser Notice No. 50 compliance). Certification applies only when operated within ST-specified voltage, timing, and configuration limits - no optical modifications or output power increases are permitted.