VL53L5

New generation Time-of-Flight Ranging sensor with advanced multi-zone and multi-object detection

The VL53L5 is a state of the art, Time-of-Flight (ToF), laser-ranging sensor enhancing the ST FlightSense product family. Housed in a miniature reflowable package, it integrates a SPAD array, physical infrared filters, and diffractive optics (DOE) to achieve the best ranging performance in various ambient lighting conditions with a range of cover glass materials.

The use of a diffractive optics above the vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) allows a square FoV to be projected onto the scene. The reflection of this light is focused by the receiver lens onto a SPAD array.

Unlike conventional IR sensors, the VL53L5 uses ST's latest generation, direct ToF technology which allows absolute distance measurement whatever the target color and reflectance. It provides accurate ranging up to 400 cm and can work at fast speeds (60 Hz), which makes it the fastest, multi-point, miniature ToF sensor on the market.

With patented algorithms and ingenious module construction, the VL53L5 is also able to detect different objects within the FoV with depth information at 60 Hz.

Scene browsing and multi zone detection is possible with the VL53L5 thanks to a software customizable detection array to achieve a quicker touch-to-focus or mini depth map.

  • Fully integrated miniature module

    • Emitter: 940 nm invisible vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) and integrated analog driver

    • 61 ° diagonal square system field of view (FoV) using diffractive optical elements (DOE) on both transmitter and receiver

    • Receiving array of single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs)

    • Low-power microcontroller running Firmware

    • Size: 6.4 x 3.0 x 1.5 mm

  • Fast, accurate distance ranging

    • Parallel multi zone output; either 4x4 or 8x8 separate regions of interest (ROI)

    • Up to 400 cm ranging

    • 60 Hz frame rate capability

    • Histogram processing and algorithmic compensation minimizes or removes impact of cover glass crosstalk

    • Dynamic crosstalk compensation for fingerprint smudge via latest patented ToF techniques

  • Easy integration

    • Single reflowable component

    • Flexible power supply options, single 3.3 V or 2.8 V operation or combination of either 3.3 V or 2.8 V AVDD with 1.8 V IOVDD

    • Compatible with wide range of cover glass materials

    • I²C or SPI interface

    • Low-power pin and two general purpose inputs (GPIOs) for interrupt and synchronization

    • Full set of software drivers (Linux and Android compatible) for turnkey ranging


At Pure Engineering we have been doing custom driver development on the ST family of ToF sensors for many years now and are very familar with it and its applications. Feel free to contact us for custom hardware or firmware.