STMicroelectronics VL53L5CX-SATEL

Overview

VL53L5CX-SATEL from STMicroelectronics is a breakable evaluation breakout board for the VL53L5CX 8×8 multizone Time-of-Flight (ToF) ranging sensor, supporting true distance measurement independent of target size and reflectance, operating from 5 V input with integrated 3.3 V regulator, and designed for rapid integration into 3.3 V supply applications via mini-PCB separation.

For engineers reviewing the VL53L5CX-SATEL datasheet, VL53L5CX-SATEL pinout, VL53L5CX-SATEL application, or VL53L5CX-SATEL equivalent, this breakout enables fast prototyping on X-NUCLEO-53L5A1 expansion boards or custom systems using flying-wire connections, with mechanical breakability along a defined perforation line for space-constrained designs.

Technical Context

The VL53L5CX-SATEL implements a fixed-function hardware interface to the VL53L5CX sensor IC, providing regulated 3.3 V power delivery and exposing all 9 signal terminals via dual 9-pin connectors. It supports I²C communication at standard and fast modes (up to 400 kHz), and includes onboard filtering and decoupling for stable ToF operation in noisy environments.

This board does not contain active logic or firmware-it serves exclusively as a passive carrier and voltage translation interface. The breakable PCB layout isolates the sensor module section (mini-PCB) with identical pinout and electrical behavior as the full board, preserving timing-critical signal integrity for multizone ranging up to 4 m.

Key Specifications

Availability

VL53L5CX-SATEL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for time-of-flight sensor evaluation, embedded depth-sensing prototyping, and industrial presence detection requiring stable component supply and mechanical flexibility for space-constrained layouts.

Supply support for VL53L5CX-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, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, sensors, power management ICs, and analog components for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The VL53L5CX-SATEL belongs to ST's Time-of-Flight evaluation hardware product line, engineered specifically to accelerate development of multizone distance mapping solutions in robotics, smart appliances, and gesture-aware human-machine interfaces.

FAQ

Is VL53L5CX-SATEL a sensor IC or a breakout board?

VL53L5CX-SATEL is a passive breakout board-not an IC. It carries the VL53L5CX ToF sensor die in a surface-mount module but adds no processing, memory, or firmware. Its sole function is mechanical support, power regulation (5 V to 3.3 V), and I²C signal routing via 9-pin headers or flying wires.

Can VL53L5CX-SATEL operate without the X-NUCLEO-53L5A1 expansion board?

Yes. The board is fully functional when powered with 5 V and interfaced via I²C to any host microcontroller (e.g., STM32, ESP32, Raspberry Pi). Flying-wire connections to the mini-PCB's 9-pin terminal set provide direct access to VDD, GND, SDA, SCL, XSHUT, GPIO1, and other control signals as defined in DB4506.

What is the purpose of the breakable PCB design?

The perforated break line allows physical separation of the sensor-carrying mini-PCB (22.5 × 14.5 mm) from the main carrier. This enables integration into tight spaces where full-board mounting is impractical, while retaining identical electrical performance, pinout, and thermal behavior as the unbroken version.

Does VL53L5CX-SATEL include firmware or require programming?

No. VL53L5CX-SATEL contains no programmable element. It relies entirely on host-side firmware (e.g., ST's X-CUBE-TOF1 middleware) to configure the VL53L5CX sensor IC. All ranging, zone calibration, and data output are handled by the sensor's internal engine-not the breakout board.