VL6180X:Proximity sensor, gesture and ambient light sensing (ALS) module

The VL6180X is the latest product based on ST’s patented FlightSensetechnology. This is a ground-breaking technology allowing absolute distance to be measured independent of target reflectance. Instead of estimating the distance by measuring the amount of light reflected back from the object (which is significantly influenced by color and surface), the VL6180X precisely measures the time the light takes to travel to the nearest object and reflect back to the sensor (Time-of-Flight).

Combining an IR emitter, a range sensor and an ambient light sensor in a three-in-one ready-to-use reflowable package, the VL6180X is easy to integrate and saves the end-product maker long and costly optical and mechanical design optimizations.

The module is designed for low power operation. Ranging and ALS measurements can be automatically performed at user defined intervals. Multiple threshold and interrupt schemes are supported to minimize host operations.

Host control and result reading is performed using an I2C interface. Optional additional functions, such as measurement ready and threshold interrupts, are provided by two programmable GPIO pins.

Key Features

  • Three-in-one smart optical module
    • Proximity sensor
    • Ambient Light Sensor
    • VCSEL light source
  • Fast, accurate distance ranging
    • Measures absolute range from 0 to above 10 cm (ranging beyond 10cm is dependent on conditions)
    • Independent of object reflectance
    • Ambient light rejection
    • Cross-talk compensation for cover glass
  • Gesture recognition
    • Distance and signal level can be used by host system to implement gesture recognition
    • Demo system available: P-NUCLEO-6180X1 evaluation board
  • Ambient light sensor
    • High dynamic range
    • Accurate/sensitive in ultra-low light
    • Calibrated output value in lux
  • Easy integration
    • Single reflowable component
    • No additional optics
    • Single power supply
    • I2 C interface for device control and data
    • Provided with a documented C portable API (Application Programming Interface)
  • Two programmable GPIO
    • Window and thresholding functions for both ranging and ALS
Product Specifications
DescriptionVersionSize
DS10285: Proximity and ambient light sensing (ALS) module7.01 MB
Application Notes
DescriptionVersionSize
AN4478: Using multiple VL6180X's in a single design2.0257 KB
AN4545: VL6180X basic ranging application note1.0689 KB
AN4626: VL6180X distance measurements versus -30 / +85°C extended temperature range1.0145 KB
User Manuals
DescriptionVersionSize
UM1983: VL6180X proximity, gesture and ambient light sensing (ALS) module1.01 MB
Design Notes & Tips
DescriptionVersionSize
DT0030: VL6180X ambient light sensing1.0296 KB
DT0032: VL6180X cross talk compensation implementation1.0421 KB
DT0034: VL6180X early convergence estimate implementation1.0294 KB
DT0017: VL6180X interleaved mode explanation1.0377 KB
DT0035: VL6180X low power features1.0328 KB
DT0037: VL6180X range and ambient light sensor quick setup guide1.0376 KB
DT0020: VL6180X range status error codes explanation1.0354 KB
DT0031: VL6180X understanding the premium EVK1.0912 KB
DT0038: VL6180X – Automatic VHV repeat rate implementation1.0254 KB
Presentations
DescriptionVersionSize
Optical Sensing: 1D to 3D using Time-of-Flight Technology1.02 MB
VL6180X API Integration Guide1 MB
X-NUCLEO-6180XA1 Quick start guide3.0.01 MB
Flyers
DescriptionVersionSize
VL6180X: 3-in 1 time-of-flight module - proximity sensor, ALS and gesture835 KB
STM32 Open Development Environment
Part NumberManufacturerDescription
P-NUCLEO-6180X1STVL6180X Nucleo pack - NEW - Includes VL6180X Expansion board and STM32F401RE Nucleo
P-NUCLEO-6180X2STNRND
X-NUCLEO-6180XA1STProximity and ambient light sensor expansion board based on VL6180X for STM32 Nucleo
Proximity Sensors Software
Part NumberManufacturerDescription
STSW-IMG003STVL6180X API (Application Programming Interface and Documentation)
Product Evaluation Tools
Part NumberManufacturerDescription
EVALKIT-VL6180XSTVL6180X Explorer kit - NRND - Replaced by P-NUCLEO-6180X1 or P-NUCLEO-6180X2
VL6180X-SATELSTSatellite: mini-PCB with VL6180X for easy integration (compatible with VL6180X expansion boards)
Sample & Buy
Part NumberPackagePacking TypeOperating Temperature (°C) (min)Operating Temperature (°C) (max)Unit Price (US$) *QuantityECCN (EU)ECCN (US)Country of Origin
VL6180XV0NR/1OPTICAL LGA12 4.8X2.8X1MMTape And Reel-20702.25000NECEAR99CHINA
Quality & Reliability
Part NumberPackageGradeRoHS Compliance GradeMaterial Declaration**
VL6180XV0NR/1OPTICAL LGA12 4.8X2.8X1MMIndustrialEcopack2md-nr-s180x-babybear-rev-wspc-a_signed.pdf
md-nr-s180x-babybear-rev-wspc-a.xml
Proximity and ambient light sensing (ALS) module VL6180X
Using multiple VL6180X's in a single design VL6180X
VL6180X basic ranging application note VL6180X
VL6180X distance measurements versus -30 / +85°C extended temperature range VL6180X
VL6180X proximity, gesture and ambient light sensing (ALS) module VL6180X
VL6180X ambient light sensing VL6180X
VL6180X cross talk compensation implementation VL6180X
VL6180X early convergence estimate implementation VL6180X
VL6180X interleaved mode explanation VL6180X
VL6180X low power features VL6180X
VL6180X range and ambient light sensor quick setup guide VL6180X
VL6180X range status error codes explanation VL6180X
VL6180X understanding the premium EVK VL6180X
VL6180X – Automatic VHV repeat rate implementation VL6180X
VL6180X – Automatic VHV repeat rate implementation VL6180X
VL6180X – Automatic VHV repeat rate implementation VL6180X
X-NUCLEO-6180XA1 proximity and ambient light sensor expansion board based on VL6180X for STM32 Nucleo X-NUCLEO-6180XA1
VL6180X – Automatic VHV repeat rate implementation VL6180X
md-nr-s180x-babybear-rev-wspc-a_signed.pdf VL6180X
md-nr-s180x-babybear-rev-wspc-a.xml VL6180X
VL6180X product folder page VL6180X