STMicroelectronics VL53L1CXV0FY/1

Overview

VL53L1CXV0FY/1 from STMicroelectronics is a miniature, reflowable Time-of-Flight (ToF) laser-ranging sensor integrating a 940 nm Class 1 VCSEL emitter, 16×16 SPAD receiving array with integrated lens, and on-board microcontroller running ST's FlightSense firmware. It delivers absolute distance measurement up to 400 cm in long mode, supports programmable ROI for FoV reduction from 15° to 27°, and operates at up to 50 Hz ranging frequency with I²C interface (400 kHz). Used in drone landing assistance, smart shelf inventory, and laser-assisted autofocus.

For engineers reviewing the VL53L1CXV0FY/1 datasheet, VL53L1CXV0FY/1 pinout, VL53L1CXV0FY/1 application, or VL53L1CXV0FY/1 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 2.6–3.5 V supply range, hardware standby via XSHUT, open-drain GPIO1 interrupt output, and factory-calibrated optical center alignment for precision mechanical integration.

Technical Context

The VL53L1CXV0FY/1 implements ST's third-generation FlightSense ToF architecture, using direct time-of-flight measurement with single-photon detection to achieve reflectance-independent ranging. Its advanced digital core supports autonomous operation with programmable timing budget (20–1000 ms), inter-measurement period, and three distance modes (short/medium/long).

It integrates physical IR filtering, on-die temperature compensation, and nonvolatile memory storing calibration data (RefSPAD, offset, crosstalk). The 12-pin LGA package enables hidden mounting behind cover glass, with four ground pins (GND, GND2, GND3, GND4) and dual supply domains (AVDD/AVDDVCSEL) for noise isolation between analog and VCSEL circuitry.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Housed in a 4.4 mm × 2.5 mm × 1.56 mm optical LGA12 package with bottom-side solder pads and integrated lens. Designed for single-reflow assembly and cover-glass mounting.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ToF ranging applications.

Compared with VL53L1CXV0FY/1, VL53L0X offers lower power and cost but sacrifices 2× range and FoV control; TMD2635 is functionally distinct - it delivers proximity status only, lacking any ranging capability or millimeter-resolution output.

Availability

VL53L1CXV0FY/1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for drone landing assistance, smart shelf inventory monitoring, and laser-assisted autofocus requiring stable component supply, consistent factory calibration, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for VL53L1CXV0FY/1 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 automotive-grade components with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certification.

The VL53L1X belongs to ST's FlightSense ToF sensor product line, engineered specifically for high-accuracy, ambient-light-robust distance measurement in space-constrained consumer and industrial applications - not general-purpose optical sensing.

FAQ

What is the default I²C address of the VL53L1CXV0FY/1?

The default 7-bit I²C slave address is 0x52. This address can be changed dynamically via software register write, enabling multiple VL53L1X sensors on the same bus. Address modification persists only until next power cycle unless saved to nonvolatile memory using the API's SetDeviceAddress function. No hardware address pins are present.

How does the programmable ROI affect field of view and ranging accuracy?

Reducing the ROI from full 16×16 to smaller subarrays (e.g., 4×4) narrows the effective FoV from 27° down to ~15°, improving signal-to-noise ratio by concentrating photon collection on a smaller angular region. This increases ranging repeatability by up to 3× in high-ambient-light conditions but reduces lateral detection coverage proportionally.

Can the VL53L1CXV0FY/1 operate behind tinted or colored cover glass?

Yes - the integrated 940 nm VCSEL and matched IR filter allow reliable operation behind black acrylic, smoked polycarbonate, and other IR-transmissive cover materials. ST provides optical transmission guidelines and recommends ≥70% IR transmittance at 940 nm; cover glass thickness must be ≤2 mm to avoid optical distortion and timing skew.

What calibration steps are required before first use in production?

Three mandatory calibrations must be performed once per unit during manufacturing: RefSPAD (reference SPAD count), offset (zero-distance baseline), and crosstalk (optical coupling compensation). These are executed via the VL53L1X API driver functions and require the sensor to be mounted in final mechanical configuration - including cover glass - to ensure accurate compensation of optical path effects.