STMicroelectronics SATEL-VL53L4CX

Overview

SATEL-VL53L4CX from STMicroelectronics is a breakout board embedding the VL53L4CX Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor, designed for extended-range absolute distance measurement up to 6 m with immunity to cover-glass crosstalk beyond 80 cm. It supports multiobject detection, histogram-based ranging, and short-distance linearity down to 10 mm, enabling integration in compact 3.3 V systems via flying wires or direct stacking on X-NUCLEO-53L4A2.

For engineers reviewing the SATEL-VL53L4CX datasheet, SATEL-VL53L4CX pinout, SATEL-VL53L4CX application, or SATEL-VL53L4CX equivalent, this board delivers verified ToF performance in space-constrained evaluation and embedded prototyping-especially where cover-glass smudge resilience, sub-10 mm linearity, and snap-off mini-PCB flexibility are required.

Technical Context

The SATEL-VL53L4CX implements ST's second-generation FlightSense™ architecture with a 940 nm VCSEL emitter and SPAD array, supporting histogram-based ranging for robustness against target reflectance variation. It operates at 3.3 V and communicates via I²C (SDA/SCL), with configurable GPIO1 and XSHUT for reset and interrupt signaling.

Its perforated PCB design enables physical separation into two independent mini-boards, each retaining full VL53L4CX functionality-including AVDD, AVDDVCSEL, GND planes, and all 12-pins of the underlying sensor IC. The board includes zero-ohm resistors (R5–R10) and solder bridges (SB1–SB4) for flexible power routing and signal configuration.

Key Specifications

Availability

SATEL-VL53L4CX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for rapid prototyping, embedded depth-sensing evaluation, and STM32-based Nucleo system integration requiring stable component supply and mechanical flexibility.

Supply support for SATEL-VL53L4CX 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 analog ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The SATEL-VL53L4CX belongs to ST's FlightSense™ evaluation hardware product line, engineered to accelerate time-of-flight sensor adoption in compact, low-power, and optically challenging environments-particularly where cover-glass integration and multi-target ranging are essential.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the perforated PCB design?

The perforated PCB allows users to physically separate the board into two independent mini-PCBs, each containing a complete VL53L4CX sensor circuit. This enables flexible integration-either as stacked modules on X-NUCLEO-53L4A2 via 6-pin headers or as standalone units connected via flying wires to custom 3.3 V hosts, preserving full sensor functionality and decoupling capacitance.

Does SATEL-VL53L4CX require external firmware or calibration?

No. The VL53L4CX sensor on-board is factory-calibrated and operates with standard ST SW drivers (e.g., X-CUBE-TOF1). The breakout board requires no additional calibration; users only need to initialize the I²C interface, configure ranging mode (e.g., Long Distance or High Accuracy), and read distance data via the ST HAL or API libraries.

Can both mini-PCBs be used simultaneously on one host system?

Yes. Each mini-PCB retains independent I²C address capability via the XSHUT pin. By toggling XSHUT before initialization, users can assign unique I²C addresses (default 0x29) to each unit, enabling concurrent operation on the same I²C bus without hardware modification or address conflict.

What is the role of SB1–SB4 solder bridges and R1–R4 resistors?

SB1–SB4 configure power routing paths between EVK_VDD and internal VDD/AVDD rails; R1–R4 (2.2 kΩ pull-ups) ensure proper I²C signal integrity on SDA/SCL lines. These components allow users to adapt voltage domains and bus termination for different host platforms-especially when interfacing with non-STM32 controllers or mixed-voltage systems.