STMicroelectronics X-NUCLEO-53L3A2

Overview

X-NUCLEO-53L3A2 from STMicroelectronics is an STM32 Nucleo-compatible expansion board integrating dual VL53L3CX Time-of-Flight (ToF) ranging sensors with multi-target detection, 0.25–1 mm configurable air-gap spacers, Arduino™ UNO R3 pinout, and full GUI-enabled software stack for rapid evaluation and application development in proximity and gesture sensing.

For engineers reviewing the X-NUCLEO-53L3A2 datasheet, X-NUCLEO-53L3A2 pinout, X-NUCLEO-53L3A2 application, or X-NUCLEO-53L3A2 equivalent, this board enables rapid prototyping of multi-zone ToF sensing systems with plug-and-play compatibility across STM32 Nucleo boards, support for stacked expansion via Arduino connectors, and Class 1 laser-compliant operation per IEC 60825-1:2014.

Technical Context

The X-NUCLEO-53L3A2 implements a dual-sensor architecture using two VL53L3CX breakout boards connected via standardized 10-pin headers, enabling independent or synchronized ranging measurements across two spatial zones. It interfaces with host Nucleo boards through I²C and GPIO lines mapped to Arduino UNO R3 layout.

Laser safety is maintained at Class 1 under all operating conditions by enforcing factory-calibrated VL53L3CX drive settings and thermal/ambient limits defined in ST's DB4226 data brief. The board includes mechanical spacers (0.25 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm) and two cover window options to validate optical path integrity under real-world air-gap variations.

Key Specifications

Availability

X-NUCLEO-53L3A2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial proximity sensing, robotics obstacle detection, smart home gesture control, and embedded ToF evaluation requiring stable component supply and rapid time-to-demonstration.

Supply support for X-NUCLEO-53L3A2 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 delivering intelligent power, sensing, connectivity, and microcontroller solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

The X-NUCLEO series is ST's dedicated ecosystem of hardware expansion boards designed to accelerate evaluation and firmware development for ST sensor and interface ICs on STM32 Nucleo platforms.

FAQ

Does X-NUCLEO-53L3A2 require external power beyond the STM32 Nucleo board?

No. The board draws regulated 3.3 V and 5 V power directly from the host Nucleo board via the Arduino UNO R3 connector. No external power supply or voltage regulation circuitry is needed for standard operation with supported Nucleo boards such as NUCLEO-F401RE.

Can both VL53L3CX sensors operate simultaneously and independently?

Yes. Each VL53L3CX breakout board connects to separate I²C buses routed through dedicated 10-pin headers, allowing fully independent initialization, ranging configuration, and data acquisition - essential for dual-zone or differential distance measurement use cases.

Is the X-NUCLEO-53L3A2 RoHS compliant and certified for laser safety?

Yes. The board is RoHS compliant per EU Directive 2011/65/EU, and its integrated VL53L3CX sensors are certified Class 1 laser products per IEC 60825-1:2014 when operated within ST's specified voltage, temperature, and firmware settings.

What software tools are provided for evaluating the X-NUCLEO-53L3A2?

ST provides the X-CUBE-TOF1 software package including STM32CubeMX-compatible drivers, HAL-based firmware examples, and a Windows-based graphical user interface (GUI) for real-time ranging visualization, sensor calibration, and multi-target analysis - all available free at st.com/VL53L3CX.