STMicroelectronics VL53L9CX Brings 2.3K-Zone 3D LiDAR in Tiny Module
With up to 54×42 zones, 8.8 m ranging and 100 Hz operation, the dToF module targets compact 3D sensing, robotics, imaging and industrial applications.
STMicroelectronics has expanded its FlightSense product family with the VL53L9CX, a direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) 3D LiDAR module measuring just 12.8 × 6.1 × 4.6 mm. The module comes in a miniature reflowable package, and it combines a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array, a post-processing system-on-chip (SoC), an embedded power management integrated circuit (PMIC), and two vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs).
Unlike similar infrared sensors, the VL53L9CX uses ST’s latest backside-illuminated (BSI) stacked dToF technology. It also uses dual-scan flood illumination instead of traditional sequential dot scanning, allowing it to reliably detect small objects and edges while reducing motion artifacts when tracking fast-moving objects.
VL53L9CX 3D dToF LiDAR module with integrated sensing and illumination components
Key Highlights of the VL53L9CX 3D LiDAR Sensor:
- Sensor: BSI stacked direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) with Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) receiving array
- Resolution: Up to 2.3k zones (54 x 42 separate zones) with binning options
- Measuring Range: <5 cm up to 8.8 meters
- Frame Rate: Up to 100 Hz
- Field of View (FoV): 55° x 42° (71° diagonal) via Metasurface Optical Elements (MOE) on both transmitter and receiver; adjustable via software
- Illumination: 2x Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSEL) emitting 940 nm invisible light with integrated analog driver for flood illumination
- On-chip Processing / Output:
- Post-processing SoC and embedded PMIC
- Outputs: Depth map, 2D IR with/without active illumination, reflectance map, and confidence level
- On-chip histogram processing and algorithmic compensation to minimize cover glass crosstalk and veiling glare
- Host Interfaces: MIPI CSI-2 and I3C
- Safety: Class 1 laser safe with skin protection
- Power Supply: Dual power supply operation: 1.2V and 3.3V
- Dimensions: 12.8 x 6.1 x 4.6 mm (Single reflowable component)
VL53L9CX internal block diagram showing the SPAD sensor, VCSELs, processing, and interfaces (Top) | Dimensions and pinout (Bottom)
The VL53L9CX can provide depth data, 2D infrared images with or without active illumination, reflectance data, ambient information, and confidence levels. Its on-chip processing also helps reduce cover-glass crosstalk and veiling glare, making it easier to use the sensor in products with protective glass.
The VL53L9CX’s high spatial resolution and wide field of view make it suitable for applications such as robotics, SLAM, obstacle avoidance, small-object detection, augmented and virtual reality, gesture recognition, skeletal tracking, and 3D room mapping. It can also be used in industrial applications such as liquid-level measurement, truck and tank load monitoring, waste-bin monitoring, and people mapping, as well as smart-building, lighting, and IoT applications.
STEVAL-VL53L9 evaluation board featuring the VL53L9CX 3D LiDAR sensor
To simplify development, the company also provides the STEVAL-VL53L9 evaluation board that includes the VL53L9CX sensor and MIPI connectivity. It can be used with STM32 Nucleo and Discovery boards, as well as Raspberry Pi and Rockchip systems. ST also provides software and other development tools to help integrate the sensor into embedded applications.
X-NUCLEO-53L9A1 expansion board with the integrated VL53L9CX ToF sensor
The company also talks about the X-NUCLEO-53L9A1 expansion board, which is also based on the VL53L9CX 3D dToF LiDAR sensor. It works with any STM32 Nucleo board, making it easy to test and prototype different ranging applications without designing a custom PCB; it also features an Arduino UNO R3 connector, so it can be used for applications such as robotics, drones, humanoid robots, and smart-building systems.
The VL53L9CX is available from STMicroelectronics’ eStore and authorized distributors, with prices ranging from about $63.36 to $49.58 depending on the order quantity. The STEVAL-VL53L9 and X-NUCLEO-53L9A1 boards are listed on DigiKey, but both are currently on backorder. More information about the VL53L9CX dToF LiDAR module can be found on the products page.
Images used courtesy of STMicro
