What Is the VL53L0X? Laser ToF Distance Sensor and Uses
The VL53L0X is a distance sensor that measures the round-trip time of laser light (ToF) (ST). It works over I2C (0x29) and measures up to ~2 m with millimetre precision. Compared with the HC-SR04 ultrasonic it is smaller, more precise and narrow-beam. To use several on one bus you change addresses via XSHUT; range depends on reflectivity/light.
The VL53L0X is a distance sensor that measures the round-trip time of laser light (ToF — Time of Flight) (ST). It computes distance from the reflection time of an infrared laser pulse with millimetre precision; it works over I2C. For the concept, see what is a sensor.
What is the VL53L0X used for?
Precise short-to-medium distance measurement, obstacle detection, gestures, robot navigation and level measurement. Compared with the HC-SR04 ultrasonic, it is smaller, more precise and narrow-beam; using laser instead of sound, it is more consistent on soft surfaces too.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Method | Laser ToF (Time of Flight) |
| Range | up to ~2 m (mode-dependent) |
| Interface | I2C (address 0x29) |
| Supply | 2.6–3.5 V (module 3.3–5 V) |
Watch out
Range depends on the target's reflectivity and ambient light (it decreases in strong sunlight). To use several VL53L0X on the same I2C bus, you must bring them up one by one with the XSHUT pins and change addresses (they all ship with the same 0x29 address).
Equivalents
- VL53L1X: a longer-range (~4 m) ToF.
- HC-SR04: a cheap ultrasonic distance sensor.
- GP2Y0A21: an analog IR distance sensor.
Find it in our catalog
Use the VL53L0X search.