ST adds devkit for ToF/ambient light sensor
The part was first launched by ST in February 2013 (see IR time-of-flight proximity sensor opens up new smartphone user interactions). Since then ST has been supplying the part to LG for use in its G3 smartphone to assist with autofocus. ST is now promoting the part more generally for use in mobile phones, consumer white goods and industrial applications.
The part provides infrared 850nm wavelength optical range finding up to 10cm, which can be useful for enhancing autofocus and gesture recognition as well as an ambient light sensor. The range sensor and ambient light sensor use single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) technology.
The VL6180X module is offered in a compact 4.8mm x 2.8mm x 1.0mm optical LGA12 package The module provides an I2C interface for host control and reading ranging or ambient light level results, as well as two programmable GPIO pins that can be configured to implement threshold applications.
The VL6180X development kit is priced at $19.69 per unit.
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IR time-of-flight proximity sensor opens up new smartphone user interactions
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