2nd-generation multi-zone direct Time-of-Flight sensor from STMicroelectronics uses less energy and can range 2X as far as existing products
June 09 2022 - 9:00AM
2nd-generation multi-zone
direct Time-of-Flight sensorfrom
STMicroelectronics uses less energy and can range
2Xas far as existing products
- The VL53L8 direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) sensor is ideal for
smartphones as well as smart speakers, human-machine interfaces,
consumer LiDAR, and AR/VR/MR
- Sensor combines new revolutionary metasurface lens technology
with a more powerful and efficient laser and improved on-chip
processing
Geneva, June 9,
2022 –
STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global
semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of
electronics applications, has announced its newest
FlightSense™ Time-of-Flight (ToF) ranging sensor
for smart-phone camera management and augmented/virtual reality.
With significant enhancements to many key components, ST’s latest
ToF module offers up to double the ranging performance – up to 4m
in all zones indoors -- while reducing the power consumption by
half compared to the previous-generation device, when operating in
common conditions.
“ST’s ToF technology has enjoyed massive commercial success, now
shipping in more than 200 smartphone models and 100 PC, projector,
and robotic products. Now, VL53L8 FlightSense
sensor takes ranging performance and power efficiency to new
levels,” said Eric Aussedat, Executive Vice President and General
Manager of the Imaging Sub-Group within ST’s Analog, MEMS and
Sensors Group. “Our latest-generation ranging sensor is a game
changer. With its innovative metasurface lens technology and
power-efficient architecture, it reduces battery loading, extends
camera autofocus ranging, and enhances scene-understanding
features.”
Developed in partnership with Metalenz, the world's first
optical metasurface technology enables optical systems to collect
more light, provide multiple functions in a single layer, and
deliver new forms of sensing in smartphones and other devices, all
in its compact package.
The VL53L8 is ideal for smartphones and tablets in both
user-facing and world-facing applications, but also for accessories
in the personal electronics segment like smart speakers and
AR/VR/MR. The user-facing applications include object tracking and
gesture recognition. World-facing applications include
laser-autofocus, camera selection, touch-to-focus, and flash
dimming – the VL53L8 will deliver even greater benefit to these
features in low-light conditions. The sensor can also support
indoor/outdoor detection and smart-focus bracketing, as well as
consumer LiDAR, where depth mapping is required.
Technical information
The module embeds a high output 940nm VCSEL light source, a
System-on-Chip sensor with an embedded VCSEL driver, the receiving
array of SPADs, and a low-power 32-bit MCU core. The VL53L8 adopts
a metasurface lens technology in both the transmit and receive
apertures. Moreover, like the VL53L5, the new sensor delivers 16 or
64 discrete ranging zones with stable and accurate improved
ranging.
The VL53L8 builds upon the innovations delivered by previous ST
ToF sensors including VL53L5. The 2nd-generation ranging sensor
incorporates an efficient optically diffractive metasurface lens
technology, manufactured at the company’s 300mm fab in Crolles,
France. In combining a new VCSEL driver 3 times more capable than
the previous generation with an efficient VCSEL, the VL53L8 can, in
comparable conditions, deliver twice the ranging performance of
VL53L5 or reduce power consumption by 50%. It delivers this
performance while maintaining the same field of view and discrete
output-ranging zones (4x4 at 60 frames per second or 8x8 at 15
frames per second). For easy system integration, the sensor is
housed in a single reflowable component that offers 1.2V and 1.8V
I/O compatibility and significantly reduces the host processor
loading over the demands of the first-generation sensor.
Like all other FlightSense ToF proximity
sensors, the VL53L8 retains an IEC 60825-1 Class 1 certification
and is fully eye-safe for consumer products with an advanced lens
detach detection system.
The VL53L8 is entering mass production now for select customers.
Please contact your ST sales office for pricing and sample
requests.
About STMicroelectronics
At ST, we are 48,000 creators and makers of semiconductor
technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with
state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An integrated device
manufacturer, we work with more than 200,000 customers and
thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and
ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the
need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable
smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and
the wide-scale deployment of the Internet of Things and
connectivity. ST is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2027.
Further information can be found at www.st.com.
For Press Information Contact:
STMicroelectronicsMichael MarkowitzDirector Technical Media
RelationsTel: +1 781 591 0354Email: michael.markowitz@st.com
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