STMicroelectronics VL53L9CX

The VL53L9CX is STMicroelectronics’ dToF 3D lidar all-in-one module, offering a high spatial resolution of 2.3 K zones. It features a 71° diagonal FoV, with 1° angular resolution across a 55° x 42° FoV. It also delivers accurate ranging from below 5 cm to 8.8 m.

The combination of long distance ranging and high resolution makes it ideal for applications such as people counting, content monitoring, gesture recognition, smart building, and more.

The VL53L9CX can stream full-resolution processed data at up to 100 Hz, making it one of the fastest, truly integrated dToF 3D lidar modules on the market. A dual-scan flood illumination strategy replaces traditional sequential dot scanning, enabling robust detection of small objects and edges while eliminating motion artifacts in fast-moving scenes. These two unique features make the device particularly suitable for SLAM, obstacle avoidance, and small object detection in robotics and drones.

Key features

• Fast and accurate 3D direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) camera module:
  • Multizone ranging output with up to 54 x 42 separate zones and binning options.
  • On-chip processing streaming 2D IR image, depth and ambient maps.
  • Confidence level and reflectance maps generated in postprocessing.
  • Ranging from <5 cm up to 8.8 m
    • Up to 100 Hz frame rate capability.
  • On-chip histogram processing and algorithmic compensation minimize or remove the impact of cover glass crosstalk and veiling glare.
• Fully integrated miniature module with wide field of view (FoV):
  • Scan by two vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSEL) flood illumination
    • 940 nm invisible light and integrated analog driver.
  • 55°x42° (71° diagonal) FoV using metasurface optical elements (MOE) on both transmitter and receiver.
  • Receiving array of single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs).
  • Size: 12.8 x 6.1 x 4.6 mm.
• Easy integration:
  • True all-in-one module with integrated SPAD sensor and VCSEL PMIC.
  • Single reflowable component.
  • Interface: I3C & MIPI CSI.
  • Flexible power supply options:
    • Supports dual power supply operation: 1.2 V & 3.3 V.
  • Compatible with a wide range of cover glass materials.

Applications

• Robotics:
  • SLAM
  • Obstacle avoidance
  • Small object identification
• Augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) enhancement:
  • Dual camera stereoscopy assistance thanks to 2D and depth multizone distance measurement at 60 fps
  • 3D room mapping (multizone and multiobject detection)
  • Gesture recognition and skeletal tracking
• Smart homes:
  • Smart buildings and smart lighting (user detection to wake up devices)