STMicroelectronics X-NUCLEO-53L4A3

Overview

X-NUCLEO-53L4A3 from STMicroelectronics is an Arduino® UNO R3–compatible expansion board for STM32 Nucleo development platforms, integrating the VL53L4ED Time-of-Flight proximity sensor for high-accuracy absolute distance measurement across -40°C to +105°C. It supports I²C interface (SDA/SCL), features dual satellite headers (J4_Left/J4_Right) for remote sensor breakout, includes 0.25/0.5/1 mm spacers and two cover glasses, and ships with X-CUBE-TOF1 software stack and GUI.

For engineers reviewing the X-NUCLEO-53L4A3 datasheet, X-NUCLEO-53L4A3 pinout, X-NUCLEO-53L4A3 application, or X-NUCLEO-53L4A3 equivalent, this board enables rapid evaluation of industrial proximity sensing, multi-sensor stacking with Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Nucleo add-ons, laser-safe Class 1 ranging, and embedded ToF integration using STM32Cube firmware and SSD1306 OLED display support.

Technical Context

The board implements a complete VL53L4ED sensor system with dedicated AVDD/AVDDVCSEL power domains, independent XSHUT (sensor enable/reset) and GPIO1 (interrupt/output) control lines, and dual 6-pin satellite headers for remote SATEL-VL53L4ED breakout boards. All sensor signals-SDA, SCL, XSHUT, GPIO1-are level-shifted and routed through 2.2 kΩ pull-ups to 3.3 V.

It interfaces exclusively via I²C at standard/fast-mode speeds (100/400 kHz), supports optional SSD1306 OLED display output via dedicated LCD_SCL/LCD_SDA pins, and provides test points (TP1/TP2) and jumpers (LK1/LK2) for current measurement on the VL53L4ED supply rails.

Key Specifications

Availability

X-NUCLEO-53L4A3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial robot proximity sensing, STM32-based smart factory edge nodes, and embedded ToF evaluation requiring stable component supply, full software toolchain access, and RoHS/CE/UKCA/China RoHS compliance.

Supply support for X-NUCLEO-53L4A3 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 analog/mixed-signal devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to the X-NUCLEO ecosystem - ST's family of Arduino-compatible expansion boards engineered to accelerate prototyping and validation of sensor, connectivity, and power subsystems on STM32 Nucleo platforms.

FAQ

Does X-NUCLEO-53L4A3 support direct connection to non-Nucleo hosts?

No. The board relies on STM32 Nucleo's Arduino R3 pinout and 3.3 V power rail; it lacks onboard voltage regulation or level-shifting for 5 V hosts. External level shifters and regulated 3.3 V supply are required for non-Nucleo use, and all I²C timing must comply with VL53L4ED's 100/400 kHz specification.

What is the purpose of the J4_Left and J4_Right 6-pin headers?

These headers provide direct access to VL53L4ED's SDA, SCL, XSHUT, GPIO1, 3.3 V, and GND for connecting optional SATEL-VL53L4ED breakout boards - enabling remote sensor placement up to 20 cm away while maintaining signal integrity and laser safety compliance.

Can the onboard OLED display connector drive any I²C SSD1306 module?

Yes - the CN7 (LCD_SCL/LCD_SDA) header matches standard SSD1306 I²C OLED modules operating at 3.3 V. Example code and application notes for display integration are provided in X-CUBE-TOF1 v2.0+ and documented on st.com under AN5621.

Is thermal derating required when operating near 105°C?

Yes - while the VL53L4ED sensor itself is rated to 105°C junction temperature, the X-NUCLEO-53L4A3 board is validated only under normal ambient conditions. Prolonged operation above 70°C ambient requires external thermal analysis, airflow, and validation of solder joint reliability per IPC-J-STD-020.