STMicroelectronics VL53L1-SATEL

Overview

VL53L1-SATEL from STMicroelectronics is a dual-breakout evaluation kit based on the VL53L1 Time-of-Flight laser-ranging sensor, featuring multi-object detection, programmable field-of-view, and 8 m absolute distance measurement independent of target reflectance or color. It integrates a 5 V to 2.8 V regulator (XC6222B281MR-G), TXS0108EPWR level shifter, and breakable PCB design for miniaturized 2.8 V integration in embedded depth-sensing applications.

For engineers reviewing the VL53L1-SATEL datasheet, VL53L1-SATEL pinout, VL53L1-SATEL application, or VL53L1-SATEL equivalent, this kit supports rapid prototyping of touch-to-focus, presence detection, and mini depth-map systems with I²C interface, 60 Hz frame rate, and cover-glass-agnostic ranging performance under ambient light.

Technical Context

The VL53L1-SATEL implements ST's FlightSense™ ToF architecture using a SPAD array, integrated IR filter, and VCSEL emitter to deliver single-shot absolute distance measurement without calibration against reflectivity. Its onboard XC6222B281MR-G provides stable 2.8 V output from 5 V input, while the TXS0108EPWR enables bidirectional 3.3 V/5 V I²C level shifting between host MCU and VL53L1.

Breakable board layout allows physical separation into two functional units: full breakout (5 V supply) and mini PCB (2.8 V supply via flying leads). The VL53L1 IC itself operates at 2.8 V AVDD and includes XSHUT, GPIO1, and INT pins for synchronized multi-sensor operation and interrupt-driven depth event handling.

Key Specifications

Availability

VL53L1-SATEL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial presence detection, consumer electronics touchless UI, and robotics obstacle avoidance requiring stable component supply and rapid evaluation-to-production transition.

Supply support for VL53L1-SATEL 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 devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The VL53L1-SATEL belongs to ST's FlightSense™ evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate development of high-accuracy, low-power, cover-glass-tolerant time-of-flight sensing solutions.

FAQ

What voltage rails does the VL53L1-SATEL support?

The VL53L1-SATEL accepts 5 V input and regulates it to 2.8 V for the VL53L1 sensor. It also incorporates the TXS0108EPWR level shifter, allowing direct connection to either 3.3 V or 5 V host I²C buses without external logic translation.

How do I separate the mini PCB section?

Use fine pliers or a precision cutter along the red perforated line shown in Figure 1 of DB4276. After separation, the mini PCB retains all VL53L1 signal pins (SDA, SCL, XSHUT, INT, GPIO1, GND, VDD), enabling 2.8 V operation via flying leads or custom mounting.

Does the kit include firmware or drivers?

No - VL53L1-SATEL is a hardware-only evaluation platform. ST provides standalone STM32-based firmware examples, Arduino libraries, and API source code via its official GitHub repository and X-CUBE-TOF1 software package for STM32CubeMX integration.

Can multiple VL53L1-SATEL boards operate on the same I²C bus?

Yes - each VL53L1 sensor supports individual XSHUT pin control for dynamic I²C address assignment. The breakout board exposes XSHUT and GPIO1, enabling sequential initialization and address reconfiguration to avoid bus conflicts in multi-sensor setups.