STMicroelectronics SATEL-VL53L4CD

Overview

SATEL-VL53L4CD from STMicroelectronics is a breakout board embedding the VL53L4CD Time-of-Flight high-accuracy proximity sensor, designed for rapid integration into STM32 Nucleo-based evaluation systems and compact embedded devices. It supports ranging from 0 to 1300 mm with full field of view, achieves short-distance linearity down to 1 mm, operates at 3.3 V, and features snap-off perforations enabling mini-PCB isolation for flying-wire prototyping in space-constrained applications.

For engineers reviewing the SATEL-VL53L4CD datasheet, SATEL-VL53L4CD pinout, SATEL-VL53L4CD application, or SATEL-VL53L4CD equivalent, this board delivers verified VL53L4CD sensor functionality with pre-routed I²C interface (SDA/SCL), configurable XSHUT and GPIO1 terminals, on-board 4.7 µF/6.3 V and 100 nF decoupling, and compatibility with X-NUCLEO-53L4A1 expansion headers.

Technical Context

The SATEL-VL53L4CD implements ST's FlightSense™ technology using a 940 nm VCSEL emitter and SPAD array, delivering single- or multi-target distance measurement independent of target reflectance or size. Its onboard circuitry includes AVDD and AVDDVCSEL power domains, dedicated GND planes per analog/digital/VCSEL sections, and configurable pull-up resistors (10 kΩ on SDA/SCL, 2.2 kΩ on XSHUT/GPIO1) for flexible I²C bus termination and reset control.

Designed as a hardware-enabling tool, it provides direct plug-in capability via dual 6-pin male headers matching X-NUCLEO-53L4A1, while solder bridges (SB1–SB4) allow selective routing of EVK_VDD, EVK_SDA, EVK_SCL, EVK_XSHUT, and EVK_GPIO1 signals-supporting both header-mated and flying-wire deployment without external level-shifting.

Key Specifications

Availability

SATEL-VL53L4CD is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for STM32-based development, proximity-sensing evaluation, and compact embedded prototyping requiring stable component supply, quick-turn integration, and validated sensor-to-host connectivity.

Supply support for SATEL-VL53L4CD 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, specializing in microcontrollers, sensors, power management, and automotive ICs with strong emphasis on industrial and embedded innovation.

The SATEL-VL53L4CD belongs to ST's FlightSense™ evaluation and expansion board portfolio, engineered specifically to accelerate time-of-flight sensor adoption in consumer electronics, wearables, and human-machine interface design.

FAQ

Is the SATEL-VL53L4CD compatible with STM32 Nucleo boards?

Yes. The board features dual 6-pin male headers that mechanically and electrically mate directly with the X-NUCLEO-53L4A1 expansion board, which is designed for STM32 Nucleo platforms. It uses standard I²C signaling (3.3 V logic) and shares identical pin assignments for SDA, SCL, XSHUT, GPIO1, and power rails.

Can the breakout board be separated into smaller sections?

Yes. The PCB includes precision snap-off perforations along its edges, allowing physical separation into a compact mini-PCB (~12 × 12 mm) containing only the VL53L4CD sensor, decoupling capacitors, and essential signal traces. This enables flying-wire integration into custom host systems operating at 3.3 V.

What are the functions of the solder bridges SB1–SB4?

SB1–SB4 selectively connect EVK-side signals (EVK_VDD, EVK_SDA, EVK_SCL, EVK_XSHUT, EVK_GPIO1) to the sensor-side pins. Leaving them open isolates the breakout from the expansion board's voltage or signal domains; bridging them enables direct signal pass-through, supporting flexible power sourcing and I²C bus configuration without external wiring.

Does the SATEL-VL53L4CD include voltage regulation?

No. The board accepts only 3.3 V input and does not include voltage regulation. It relies on the host system (e.g., X-NUCLEO-53L4A1 or external 3.3 V supply) to provide clean, regulated power. On-board 4.7 µF and 100 nF capacitors serve strictly as local decoupling for the VL53L4CD's AVDD, AVDDVCSEL, and digital domains.