STMicroelectronics VL6180V1NR/1

Overview

VL6180V1NR/1 from STMicroelectronics is a FlightSense™ time-of-flight (ToF) proximity and ranging module integrating an 850 nm VCSEL emitter and a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) sensor in a reflowable 4.4 mm × 2.36 mm × 1.0 mm LGA-6 package. It delivers absolute distance measurement up to 62 cm independent of target reflectance, with ambient light rejection, cross-talk compensation for cover glass, and I²C interface. Used in smartphone laser-assisted autofocus and gesture recognition systems.

For engineers reviewing the VL6180V1NR/1 datasheet, VL6180V1NR/1 pinout, VL6180V1NR/1 application, or VL6180V1NR/1 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 0–62 cm ranging range, 850 nm VCSEL wavelength, 1.8 V digital supply compatibility, dual programmable GPIOs for threshold interrupts, and documented C API for rapid integration into embedded host platforms.

Technical Context

The VL6180V1NR/1 implements direct ToF measurement using a pulsed 850 nm VCSEL and SPAD-based photon detection, eliminating dependence on surface albedo. Its ranging pipeline includes early convergence estimation (ECE), wrap-around filtering, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)-based validity checks.

It supports three operating modes: polling (single-shot), interrupt-driven continuous ranging (up to 10 Hz), and asynchronous measurement. Host control occurs via standard I²C (100 kHz / 400 kHz), with register-mapped configuration of ranging period, thresholds, cross-talk compensation rate, and VHV calibration.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The VL6180V1NR/1 is housed in a 6-pin LGA (Land Grid Array) package measuring 4.4 mm × 2.36 mm × 1.0 mm, designed for single-step reflow assembly without optical alignment. All terminals are bottom-side exposed pads.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar time-of-flight proximity sensing applications.

Compared with VL53L0X and TMF8801, the VL6180V1NR/1 offers the simplest integration path for basic proximity and short-range ranging-retaining robustness against reflectance variation and ambient light while minimizing host CPU load and BOM count.

Availability

VL6180V1NR/1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone autofocus modules, portable touchscreen devices, tablet/laptop proximity systems, and domestic appliance touchless interfaces requiring stable component supply and production-grade reliability.

Supply support for VL6180V1NR/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, specializing in microcontrollers, sensors, power management, and automotive ICs with over 40 years of industrial innovation.

The VL6180 belongs to ST's FlightSense™ product line, engineered specifically for low-power, reflectance-invariant proximity and ranging in space-constrained consumer electronics-prioritizing ease of integration, optical robustness, and minimal host resource usage.

FAQ

What is the maximum measurable distance of the VL6180V1NR/1, and what factors affect it?

The VL6180V1NR/1 achieves up to 62 cm maximum ranging distance under ideal conditions (high-reflectance target, low ambient light, clean optical path). Real-world performance depends on target reflectance, ambient illumination (>100 klux degrades max range), cover glass thickness, and air gap-each influencing cross-talk and signal-to-noise ratio. The datasheet specifies 100 mm range with ±1 mm accuracy and extended range beyond that with ±3% relative error.

Does the VL6180V1NR/1 require external optical components or calibration?

No external lenses, filters, or mechanical alignment are required-the VL6180V1NR/1 integrates a collimated 850 nm VCSEL and SPAD sensor in a sealed, reflowable LGA package. Factory-calibrated for offset and cross-talk, it supports on-device auto-calibration routines (e.g., SYSTEM__VHV_RECALIBRATE) to maintain accuracy across temperature and aging, eliminating manual calibration in end equipment.

How does the VL6180V1NR/1 handle ambient light interference?

The VL6180V1NR/1 uses synchronous detection with precisely timed VCSEL pulses and gated SPAD sampling to reject ambient photons outside the expected time window. Its analog front-end includes adaptive thresholding and digital post-processing (e.g., ECE, SNR filtering) to sustain operation under >100 klux ambient light-verified per IEC 62471 and sufficient for direct sunlight exposure in handheld devices.

Can the VL6180V1NR/1 operate from a single 1.8 V supply?

No-it requires two independent supplies: 1.65–1.95 V for digital I/O (VDD_IO) and 2.6–3.3 V for the VCSEL driver (VDD_VCSEL). This separation ensures stable IR emission power and prevents digital switching noise from modulating the optical output. A dual-output LDO or DC-DC converter meeting these rail requirements is necessary for proper operation.