{"product_id":"3418-vl53l7cx-time-of-flight-8x8-zone-wide-fov-distance-sensor-carrier-with-voltage-regulator-350cm-max","title":"VL53L7CX Time-of-Flight 8×8-Zone Wide FOV Distance Sensor Carrier with Voltage Regulator, 350cm Max","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis sensor is a carrier\/breakout board for ST’s VL53L7CX laser-ranging sensor, which offers fast and accurate ranging \u003cstrong\u003eup to 3.5 m\u003c\/strong\u003e through a digital I²C interface.  It has an extra-wide 60°×60° square field of view (FOV) (90° diagonal), and it can measure absolute distances to \u003cstrong\u003emultiple targets\u003c\/strong\u003e simultaneously across \u003cstrong\u003emultiple zones\u003c\/strong\u003e, providing enough data for a depth map with up to 8×8 resolution.  The board includes a 3.3 V linear regulator and level-shifters that allow it to work over an input voltage range of 2.5 V to 5.5 V, and the 0.1″ pin spacing makes it easy to use with standard solderless breadboards and 0.1″ perfboards.  \u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is \u003cins\u003enot recommended\u003c\/ins\u003e for use with 8-bit MCUs; for such applications, consider the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/3415\"\u003eVL53L1X\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/2490\"\u003eVL53L0X carrier\u003c\/a\u003e, or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/2489\"\u003eVL6180X carrier\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp class=\"note_warning\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: this product is not recommended for use with 8-bit microcontrollers.\u003c\/strong\u003e Initializing the VL53L7CX and processing its readings require a significant amount of RAM and code space, making this sensor impractical for use with a typical 8-bit microcontroller.  (ST’s API for the VL53L7CX typically uses over 90 KB of program memory.)  For alternatives that are simpler to use and can work with 8-bit microcontrollers (but do not have the multi-zone or multi-target capabilities of the VL53L7CX), please consider the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/3415\"\u003eVL53L1X\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/2490\"\u003eVL53L0X carrier\u003c\/a\u003e, or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/2489\"\u003eVL6180X carrier\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"picture_with_caption right\"\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11642.1200.jpg?6446cfa63e805229cbdb458a175a953a\" class=\"noscript-fallback\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"zoomable\" data-gallery-pictures=\"[{\" id time-of-flight distance sensor carrier bottom view with dimensions. data-picture-id=\"0J11642\" data-picture-longest_side=\"1199\" src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11642.250.jpg?6446cfa63e805229cbdb458a175a953a\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe VL53L7CX from ST Microelectronics is a long-distance, ranging time-of-flight (TOF) sensor integrated into a compact module. This board is a carrier for the VL53L7CX, so we recommend careful reading of the \u003ca href=\"\/file\/0J1992\/vl53l7cx.pdf\"\u003eVL53L7CX datasheet\u003c\/a\u003e (3MB pdf) before using this product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe VL53L7CX is effectively a tiny, self-contained lidar system featuring an integrated 940 nm Class 1 laser, which is invisible and eye-safe.  Unlike conventional IR sensors that use the intensity of reflected light to estimate the distance to an object, the VL53L7CX uses ST’s FlightSense technology to precisely measure how long it takes for emitted pulses of infrared laser light to reach the objects and be reflected back to a detector.  This approach ensures absolute distance measurements independent of ambient lighting conditions and target characteristics (e.g. color, shape, texture, and reflectivity), though these external conditions do affect the maximum range of the sensor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe VL53L7CX is distinguished from ST’s previous time-of-flight sensors by its extra-wide 60°×60° square field of view (FOV), which allows for a 90° FOV across the diagonal, and its multi-zone ranging output.  Its field of view is divided into a number of zones, configurable as a 4×4 or 8×8 grid, and the sensor provides separate readings for each zone (which can include multiple targets per zone). This effectively makes the VL53L7CX a basic 3D lidar, since instead of measuring only a single distance (1D lidar), it can provide enough data to generate a low-resolution depth map of the environment within its field of view.  The following image shows an example of such a map made with the VL53L5CX, which is very similar to the VL53L7CX:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"picture_with_caption center\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"max-width: 400px\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11669.1200.png?4d6933bd11c4e80ef39edbdbd9ec6ddf\" class=\"noscript-fallback\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"zoomable\" data-gallery-pictures=\"[{\" id plot of a coffee cup as detected by vl53l5cx time-of-flight distance sensor. data-picture-id=\"0J11669\" data-picture-longest_side=\"856\" src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J11669.400.jpg?4d6933bd11c4e80ef39edbdbd9ec6ddf\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth style=\"max-width: 400px\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eA plot of a coffee cup as detected by a VL53L5CX time-of-flight 8×8-zone distance sensor.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder favorable conditions, the sensor can report distances up to 3.5 m (11 ft) with 1 mm resolution.  The minimum ranging distance is 20 mm.  Ranging measurements are available through the sensor’s I²C (TWI) interface, which is also used to configure sensor settings, and the sensor provides three additional pins: an interrupt output and two inputs to disable and reset the I²C interface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe VL53L7CX is a great IC, but its small, leadless, LGA package makes it difficult for the typical student or hobbyist to use.  It also operates at a recommended voltage of 2.8 V to 3.3 V, which can make interfacing difficult for microcontrollers operating at 5 V. Our breakout board addresses these issues, making it easier to get started using the sensor, while keeping the overall size as small as possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe carrier board includes a low-dropout linear voltage regulator that provides the 3.3 V required by the VL53L7CX and allows the sensor to be powered from a 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply.  The regulator output is available on the VDD pin and can supply around 100 mA to external devices. The breakout board also includes a circuit that shifts the I²C clock and data lines to the same logic voltage level as the supplied VIN, making it simple to interface the board with 5 V systems, and the board’s 0.1″ pin spacing makes it easy to use with standard \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/category\/28\/solderless-breadboards\"\u003esolderless breadboards\u003c\/a\u003e and 0.1″ perfboards. The board ships fully populated with its SMD components, including the VL53L7CX, as shown in the product picture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAlternative versions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe VL53L7CX is very similar to the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/3417\"\u003eVL53L5CX\u003c\/a\u003e, which offers all the same features, just with a narrower FOV and a slightly longer range.  In particular the VL53L7CX API appears to be functionally identical to the VL53L5CX API, so it is generally possible to switch between the two modules with no other hardware or software changes.  For other similar sensors, see the \u003ca href=\"#comparison\"\u003ecomparison section\u003c\/a\u003e at the bottom of this page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince the VL53L7CX and VL53L5CX are physically similar and share the same carrier board PCB (labeled irs18a), it can be hard to tell them apart. One way you can distinguish them is by looking for the pronounced chamfers around the optical apertures on the VL53L7CX, which the VL53L5CX lacks. The VL53L7CX IC also has the text “L7” stamped in one corner (although this is usually hard to see).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"side_by_side_pics\"\u003e\n\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e\u003ctable class=\"picture_with_caption center\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"max-width: 250px\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J12250.1200.jpg?2615e93cfa0e65d1c0a39fd7bccc298a\" class=\"noscript-fallback\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"zoomable\" data-gallery-pictures=\"[{\" id time-of-flight distance sensor carrier. data-picture-id=\"0J12250\" data-picture-longest_side=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J12250.250.jpg?2615e93cfa0e65d1c0a39fd7bccc298a\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth style=\"max-width: 250px\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVL53L5CX Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor Carrier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e\u003ctable class=\"picture_with_caption center\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"max-width: 250px\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J12251.1200.jpg?639f9a92c91d93db8d53c2e0438a7b41\" class=\"noscript-fallback\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"zoomable\" data-gallery-pictures=\"[{\" id time-of-flight distance sensor carrier. data-picture-id=\"0J12251\" data-picture-longest_side=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J12251.250.jpg?639f9a92c91d93db8d53c2e0438a7b41\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth style=\"max-width: 250px\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVL53L7CX Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor Carrier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeatures and specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\t\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 0.5″ × 0.7″ × 0.085″ (13 mm × 18 mm × 2 mm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\t\u003cli\u003eWeight without header pins: 0.5 g (0.02 oz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\t\u003cli\u003eOperating voltage: 2.5 V to 5.5 V\u003c\/li\u003e\n\t\u003cli\u003eSupply current: ~100 mA (typical average during active ranging with default settings)\n\t\u003cul\u003e\n\t\t\u003cli\u003ePeak current can reach 150 mA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\t\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\t\u003cli\u003eMaximum range: 3.5 m (11 ft)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\t\u003cli\u003eResolution: 1 mm depth, 4×4 or 8×8 sensor zones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\t\u003cli\u003eMinimum range: 20 mm (0.8 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\t\u003cli\u003eEmitter: 940 nm invisible Class 1 VCSEL (vertical cavity surface-emitting laser) – eye-safe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\t\u003cli\u003eDetector: SPAD (single photon avalanche diode) receiving array\n\t\u003cul\u003e\n\t\t\u003cli\u003eTypical full field of view (FoV): 90° diagonal (60° horizontal\/vertical)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\t\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\t\u003cli\u003eOutput format (I²C): histogram\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIncluded components\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 1×8 strip of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/965\"\u003e0.1″ header pins\u003c\/a\u003e and a 1×7 strip of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/967\"\u003e0.1″ right-angle header pins\u003c\/a\u003e are included, as shown in the picture below.  You can solder the header strip of your choice to the board for use with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/category\/70\/crimp-connector-housings\"\u003ecustom cables\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/category\/28\/solderless-breadboards\"\u003esolderless breadboards\u003c\/a\u003e, or you can solder wires directly to the board itself for more compact installations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"side_by_side_pics\"\u003e\n\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e\u003ctable class=\"picture_with_caption center\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"max-width: 300px\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J12240.1200.jpg?6e6b472b7b9401f3c55d9590174345aa\" class=\"noscript-fallback\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"zoomable\" data-gallery-pictures=\"[{\" id time-of-flight wide fov distance sensor carrier with included header pins. data-picture-id=\"0J12240\" data-picture-longest_side=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J12240.300x255.jpg?6e6b472b7b9401f3c55d9590174345aa\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth style=\"max-width: 300px\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVL53L7CX Time-of-Flight 8×8-Zone Wide FOV Distance Sensor Carrier with included header pins.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e\u003ctable class=\"picture_with_caption center\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"max-width: 300px\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J12242.1200.jpg?281e8ad8e78b101e4d0766b41ccbfdd0\" class=\"noscript-fallback\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"zoomable\" data-gallery-pictures=\"[{\" id time-of-flight wide fov distance sensor carrier in a breadboard. data-picture-id=\"0J12242\" data-picture-longest_side=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J12242.300x255.jpg?281e8ad8e78b101e4d0766b41ccbfdd0\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth style=\"max-width: 300px\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVL53L7CX Time-of-Flight 8×8-Zone Wide FOV Distance Sensor Carrier in a breadboard.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe board has two mounting holes spaced 0.5″ apart that work with #2 and M2 \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/category\/101\/nuts-and-screws\"\u003escrews\u003c\/a\u003e (not included).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"clear\"\u003eUsing the VL53L7CX\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"note_warning\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant note:\u003c\/strong\u003e This product might ship with a protective liner covering the sensor IC. \u003cins\u003eThe liner must be removed\u003c\/ins\u003e for proper sensing performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"picture_with_caption center wide\"\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J12243.1200.jpg?9e1c29860acced3ec8f79e3087006b1c\" class=\"noscript-fallback\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"wide zoomable\" data-gallery-pictures=\"[{\" id vl53l7cx carrier might ship with a protective liner covering the sensor ic that must be removed before use. data-picture-id=\"0J12243\" data-picture-longest_side=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J12243.600.jpg?9e1c29860acced3ec8f79e3087006b1c\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eConnections\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt least four connections are necessary to use the VL53L7CX board: VIN, GND, SCL, and SDA. The VIN pin should be connected to a 3.3 V to 5.5 V source, and GND should be connected to 0 volts. An on-board linear voltage regulator converts VIN to a 3.3 V supply, which can be accessed via the VDD pin, for the VL53L7CX IC.  Supply voltages between 2.5 V and 3.6 V can also be connected to VDD (with VIN left disconnected) to bypass the regulator and power the board directly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe I²C pins, SCL and SDA, are connected to built-in level-shifters that make them safe to use at voltages above VDD; they should be connected to an I²C bus operating at the same logic level as VIN (or VDD, if powering the board through VDD).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe LPn and I2C_RST pins are inputs and the INT pin is an open-drain output. LPn and INT are pulled up to VDD by the board, while I2C_RST is pulled down to GND. These three pins are \u003cins\u003enot\u003c\/ins\u003e connected to level-shifters on the board and are \u003cins\u003enot\u003c\/ins\u003e 5V-tolerant, but LPn and INT are usable as-is with 5 V microcontrollers: the microcontroller can read the INT output as long as its logic high threshold is below VDD, and the microcontroller can alternate its own output between low and high-impedance states to drive the LPn pin. Alternatively, our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/2595\"\u003e4-channel bidirectional logic level shifter\u003c\/a\u003e can be used externally with those pins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"picture_with_caption center\"\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J12241.1200.jpg?1e7474b4f01ad23fd85d6350bbc3bd15\" class=\"noscript-fallback\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"zoomable\" data-gallery-pictures=\"[{\" id diagram of the vl53l7cx time-of-flight wide fov distance sensor carrier. data-picture-id=\"0J12241\" data-picture-longest_side=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J12241.350.jpg?1e7474b4f01ad23fd85d6350bbc3bd15\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"clear\"\u003ePinout\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"specifications center\"\u003e\n\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\u003cth\u003ePIN\u003c\/th\u003e\n\t\t\u003cth\u003eDescription\u003c\/th\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003ctr class=\"odd\"\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003eVDD\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;\"\u003eRegulated 3.3 V \u003cstrong\u003eoutput\u003c\/strong\u003e. Up to around 100 mA is available to power external components. (If you want to bypass the internal regulator, you can instead use this pin as an input for voltages between 2.5 V and 3.6 V with VIN disconnected.)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003eVIN\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;\"\u003eThis is the main 3.3 V to 5.5 V power supply connection. The SCL and SDA level shifters pull the I²C lines high to this level.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003ctr class=\"odd\"\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003eGND\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;\"\u003eThe ground (0 V) connection for your power supply.  Your I²C control source must also share a common ground with this board.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003eSDA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;\"\u003eLevel-shifted I²C data line: HIGH is VIN, LOW is 0 V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003ctr class=\"odd\"\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003eSCL\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;\"\u003eLevel-shifted I²C clock line: HIGH is VIN, LOW is 0 V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003eLPn\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;\"\u003eThis pin is an active-low I²C disable input; the board pulls it up to VDD to enable I²C communication by default. Driving this pin low disables I²C communication (typically used as part of a process to change I²C addresses). \u003cem\u003eThis input is not level-shifted.\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003ctr class=\"odd\"\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003eINT\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;\"\u003eProgrammable interrupt output (VDD logic level). \u003cem\u003eThis output is not level-shifted.\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003eI2C_RST\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;\"\u003eThis pin is an active-high I²C reset input; the board pulls it down to GND by default. Driving this pin high resets the I²C interface (but not the entire sensor). \u003cem\u003eThis input is not level-shifted.\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSchematic diagram\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"picture_with_caption center wide\"\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J12244.1200.png?ae4cb87fb309a1fa501e734dcdbdc2b1\" class=\"noscript-fallback\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"wide zoomable\" data-gallery-pictures=\"[{\" id diagram of the vl53l7cx time-of-flight wide fov distance sensor carrier. data-picture-id=\"0J12244\" data-picture-longest_side=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J12244.600.jpg?ae4cb87fb309a1fa501e734dcdbdc2b1\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe above schematic shows the additional components the carrier board incorporates to make the VL53L7CX easier to use, including the voltage regulator that allows the board to be powered from a 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply and the level-shifter circuit that allows for I²C communication at the same logic voltage level as VIN. This schematic is also available as a \u003ca href=\"\/file\/0J1994\/vl53l7cx-time-of-flight-sensor-schematic.pdf\"\u003edownloadable PDF\u003c\/a\u003e (103k pdf).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eI²C communication\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe VL53L7CX can be configured and its distance readings can be queried through the I²C bus. Level shifters on the I²C clock (SCL) and data (SDA) lines enable I²C communication with microcontrollers operating at the same voltage as VIN (2.5 V to 5.5 V). A detailed explanation of the I²C interface on the VL53L7CX can be found in its datasheet, and more detailed information about I²C in general can be found in \u003ca href=\"\/file\/0J435\/UM10204.pdf\"\u003eNXP’s I²C-bus specification\u003c\/a\u003e (1MB pdf).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sensor’s 7-bit target address defaults to 0101001b on power-up. It can be changed to another value by writing one of the device configuration registers, but the new address only applies until the sensor is reset or powered off. ST’s \u003ca href=\"\/file\/0J1993\/um3038-a-guide-to-using-the-vl53l7cx-timeofflight-multizone-ranging-sensor-with-90-fov-stmicroelectronics.pdf\"\u003eUM3038\u003c\/a\u003e (736k pdf) document describes how to use multiple VL53L7CX sensors on the same I²C bus by individually enabling I²C communication on each sensor with its LPn pin and assigning it a unique address.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe I²C interface on the VL53L7CX is compliant with the I²C fast mode (400 kHz) standard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSensor configuration and control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn contrast with the information available for many other devices, ST has not publicly released a register map and descriptions or other documentation about configuring and controlling the VL53L7CX. Instead, communication with the sensor is intended to be done through ST’s \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.st.com\/en\/embedded-software\/stsw-img036.html\"\u003eVL53L7CX ULD API\u003c\/a\u003e (STSW-IMG036), a set of C functions that take care of the low-level interfacing. To use the VL53L7CX, you can customize the API to run on a host platform of your choice using the information in the API documentation. Alternatively, it is possible to use the API source code as a guide for your own implementation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe VL53L7CX API appears to be functionally identical to the VL53L5CX API, so if you want to use the VL53L7CX with an Arduino-compatible controller, you can try \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/github.com\/sparkfun\/SparkFun_VL53L5CX_Arduino_Library\"\u003eSparkFun’s VL53L5CX Arduino library\u003c\/a\u003e, a port of ST’s API that works with the Arduino platform. To install it, search for “SparkFun VL53L5CX” in the Arduino Library Manager. (\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8-bit microcontrollers, including that of the Arduino Uno, typically do not have enough RAM or program memory to use with the VL53L7CX, so this library is mainly useful for more powerful MCUs like a 32-bit RP2040 or ESP32.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"comparison\"\u003ePololu’s family of carriers for ST time-of-flight distance sensors\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe make pin-compatible carriers\/breakout boards for several different ST time-of-flight (ToF) ranging sensors, as shown in the table below.  They all function as tiny lidar systems featuring an integrated 940 nm Class 1 (i.e. invisible and eye-safe) laser, and they are all based on the same FlightSense technology, which precisely measures how long it takes for emitted pulses of infrared laser light to reach the objects and be reflected back to a detector. This approach ensures absolute distance measurements independent of ambient lighting conditions and target characteristics (e.g. color, shape, texture, and reflectivity), though these external conditions do affect the maximum range of the sensor.  These sensors are all capable of 1 mm resolution, with some limitations on some versions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstyle type=\"text\/css\"\u003e\ntable.active_controller_comparison td.spacer {border: none; background: white;}\ntable.active_controller_comparison td.white {background: white};\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; overflow: auto; margin-bottom: 1em;\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"min-width: 600px;\" class=\"active_controller_comparison\"\u003e\n\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003cth style=\"vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/2489\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J12246.125.jpg?33324b1544f379a7175f1e93a3688fe1\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/2489\"\u003eVL6180X\u003cbr\u003ecarrier\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\t\t\u003cth style=\"vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/2490\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J12247.125.jpg?f73433a47d555f57fec0e4e4573d3f4d\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/2490\"\u003eVL53L0X\u003cbr\u003ecarrier\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\t\t\u003cth style=\"text-align:center;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/3415\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J12248.125.jpg?9d68f9636993c90ceedb3058a2cd17c8\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/3415\"\u003eVL53L1X\u003cbr\u003ecarrier\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\t\t\u003cth style=\"vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/3416\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J12249.125.jpg?1fea645b7f161a7bef6092c6a075d9c0\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/3416\"\u003eVL53L3CX\u003cbr\u003ecarrier\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\t\t\u003cth style=\"vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/3417\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J12250.125.jpg?2615e93cfa0e65d1c0a39fd7bccc298a\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/3417\"\u003eVL53L5CX\u003cbr\u003ecarrier\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\t\t\u003cth style=\"vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/3418\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/a.pololu-files.com\/picture\/0J12251.125.jpg?639f9a92c91d93db8d53c2e0438a7b41\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pololu.com\/product\/3418\"\u003eVL53L7CX\u003cbr\u003ecarrier\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\u003cth\u003eMaximum range:\u003csup\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(1)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e200 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e400 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e500 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e400 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e350 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\u003cth\u003eMinimum range:\u003c\/th\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e~1 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e~3 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e4 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e1 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e2 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e2 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\u003cth\u003eField of view:\u003c\/th\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e25°\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e25°\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e15° to 27° diagonal,\u003cbr\u003eprogram­mable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e25°\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e65° diagonal,\u003cbr\u003eup to 8×8 zones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e90° diagonal,\u003cbr\u003eup to 8×8 zones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\u003cth\u003eOther features:\u003c\/th\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003eambient light sensing,\u003cbr\u003elow memory footprint\u003csup\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(2)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003elow memory footprint\u003csup\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(2)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003elow memory footprint\u003csup\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(2)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003emulti-target detection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003emulti-target detection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003emulti-target detection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\u003cth\u003eMaximum update rate:\u003csup\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(1)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e~150 Hz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e50 Hz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e100 Hz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e125 Hz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e60 Hz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e60 Hz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\u003cth\u003eOperating voltage range:\u003c\/th\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003e2.6 V to 5.5 V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd colspan=\"2\"\u003e2.5 V to 5.5 V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\u003cth\u003eRegulator voltage:\u003c\/th\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003e2.8 V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd colspan=\"2\"\u003e3.3 V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\u003cth\u003eTypical active-ranging\u003cbr\u003esupply current:\u003c\/th\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e25 mA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e20 mA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e20 mA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e20 mA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e100 mA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e100 mA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\u003cth\u003ePeak supply current:\u003c\/th\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e40 mA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e40 mA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e40 mA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e40 mA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e150 mA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e150 mA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003ctr class=\"price\"\u003e\n\t\t\u003cth\u003e1-piece price:\u003c\/th\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"price\"\u003e$13.49\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"price\"\u003e$14.95\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"price\"\u003e$18.95\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"price\"\u003e$16.95\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"price\"\u003e$19.95\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"price\"\u003e$19.95\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd class=\"spacer\" colspan=\"7\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\t\u003ctr\u003e\n\t\t\u003ctd style=\"text-align: left;\" class=\"spacer\" colspan=\"7\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c\/strong\u003e Effective range and update rate depend on configuration, target, and environment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable for use with typical 8-bit MCUs.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\t\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese carriers all have the same physical dimensions (0.5″ × 0.7″) and work in 3.3 – 5 V systems (thanks to their integrated linear regulators and level-shifters), and they are all controlled through an I²C interface.  However, they have different APIs and memory requirements, so software will generally need to be rewritten when switching between sensors in an application, and versions with higher memory requirements are generally not suitable for use with typical 8-bit microcontrollers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pololu","offers":[{"title":"2-4 Settimane","offer_id":47696611344729,"sku":"POL-3418","price":29.21,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Giorno","offer_id":47885968015705,"sku":"POL-3418\/A","price":29.21,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0781\/1009\/7753\/files\/0J12239.1200.jpg?v=1705454567","url":"https:\/\/robot-italy.com\/products\/3418-vl53l7cx-time-of-flight-8x8-zone-wide-fov-distance-sensor-carrier-with-voltage-regulator-350cm-max","provider":"Robot Italy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}