STMicroelectronics SATEL-VL53L8

Overview

SATEL-VL53L8 from STMicroelectronics is a dual-breakout evaluation board for VL53L8CX and VL53L8CH 8×8 multizone Time-of-Flight sensors, supporting I²C and SPI interfaces at 3.3 V supply, with snap-off mini-PCB sections for embedded integration, and designed for AI-enhanced ranging up to 400 cm with 65° diagonal FoV.

For engineers reviewing the SATEL-VL53L8 datasheet, SATEL-VL53L8 pinout, SATEL-VL53L8 application, or SATEL-VL53L8 equivalent, this board enables rapid prototyping of compact ToF sensing in VR/AR headsets, drone obstacle avoidance, wearable gesture interfaces, and audio-video presence detection-leveraging CNH histogram output and ambient-light-resilient ranging.

Technical Context

The board hosts two identical VL53L8-series sensor modules (VL53L8CX or VL53L8CH), each with independent power regulation (AVDD=3.3 V, IOVDD=1.2 V or 1.8 V, CORE_1V8=1.8 V) and configurable interface mode via J9 jumper (I²C/SPI). Level translation (PI4ULS3V204) ensures signal integrity between host MCU and sensor logic domains.

Perforated PCB design allows physical separation into two mini-PCBs (18 mm × 12 mm), each retaining full sensor functionality with 12 exposed test points (TP1–TP12) and standardized 0.8 mm × 1.6 mm edge pads for flying-wire integration. No direct stacking onto X-NUCLEO-53L8A1 is supported.

Key Specifications

Availability

SATEL-VL53L8 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for VR/AR headset development, drone proximity sensing, wearable gesture control, and audio-video presence detection requiring stable component supply during early-stage prototyping and NPI validation.

Supply support for SATEL-VL53L8 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, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, sensors, power ICs, and analog/mixed-signal devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The SATEL-VL53L8 belongs to ST's FlightSense™ Time-of-Flight evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development of compact, low-power, ambient-light-robust 3D sensing solutions for AI-driven human-machine interaction.

FAQ

Is SATEL-VL53L8 compatible with STM32 Nucleo boards?

No, SATEL-VL53L8 cannot be directly plugged into X-NUCLEO-53L8A1 or other Nucleo expansion headers. It connects via flying wires to the mini-PCB section using I²C or SPI signals routed through TP1–TP12 test points and configured via J9 jumper settings per UM3120.

What is the difference between VL53L8CX and VL53L8CH on this board?

The SATEL-VL53L8 supports both variants: VL53L8CX delivers low-power high-performance ranging; VL53L8CH adds Compact Normalized Histogram (CNH) output optimized for AI training/inference pipelines. Both share identical 8×8 zone resolution, 65° FoV, and 400 cm range capability.

Can I use only one mini-PCB and leave the other unpopulated?

Yes-the board contains two physically independent breakout sections separated by perforations. Each mini-PCB includes its own VL53L8 sensor, regulators, level shifters, and test points. Either can be used standalone with 3.3 V supply and I²C/SPI host connection without affecting the other.

Does SATEL-VL53L8 include an orderable VL53L8 sensor or just evaluation samples?

The board uses noncommercial VL53L8CA evaluation-grade sensors intended for development only. Equivalent orderable parts are VL53L8CXV0GC/1 and VL53L8CHV0GC/1-both listed in Table 1 of DB4924 and available through ST authorized distributors with full production qualification.