Time-of-Flight laser distance sensor delivering precision ranging measurements up to 400 centimeters.
Accurately measure distances using the VL53L1X ranging sensor.
➤ Distances up to 400cm at up to 50Hz. ➤ Configurable field-of-view (15° to 27°). ➤ Not affected by the surface color, reflectivity or texture. ➤ Compatible with Pixhawk, ArduPilot and Betaflight.
Ideal for UAVs, robotics, gesture recognition or inventory control.
The ST VL53L1X Time-of-Flight range sensor powered by STMicroelectronics, is a micro-laser module that accurately measures distances up to 400 cm (13 feet) at speeds up to 50 Hz.
Unlike traditional infrared sensors that estimate distance based on reflected light intensity, the VL53L1X measures the exact time it takes for photons to bounce back, ensuring target color, reflectivity, and surface texture don't distort your readings.
The VL53L1X features a default 27° optical Field of View (FoV). When mounting the sensor to a UAV airframe, ensure the sensor lens has a clear line of sight.
Obstructing the laser cone with landing gear, frame arms, or prop guards will cause internal reflections and result in incorrect distance measurements.
Prevent False Readings: If physical obstacles cannot be moved away from the sensor's optical path, use your flight controller software (or the ST API) to reduce the programmable Region of Interest (ROI) down to 15° to narrow the laser beam.
Keep Optical Windows Clean: Dust, dirt, or fingerprints on the optical array will scatter the 940 nm light photons and decrease effective range. Clean the glass sensor face gently prior to flight operations.
Technical
Feature
Siderion SDP33
Programmable ROI
From 4x4 to 16x16
Laser Emitter
940nm (class 1)
Distance Measurement
up to 400cm
Programmable Field of View (FoV)
From 15° to 27°
Maximum Output Data Rate (ODR)
50 Hz
Peak Supply Current
18 mA
Interface
I2C - JST-GH 1.25mm 4P
Size
26 x 17 x 8 mm
Weight
4 g
Reasons to choose the VL53L1X
Color and Surface-Independent Precision Unlike standard IR sensors that rely on reflected light intensity, the VL53L1X measures the exact photon return time of a 940 nm Class 1 laser. Distance readings up to 400 cm (4 meters) remain completely accurate regardless of target color, reflectivity, or surface texture whether measuring distance to grass, asphalt, or concrete.
High-Speed 50 Hz Refresh Rate Capable of taking range measurements up to 50 times per second, the VL53L1X provides real-time distance feedback. This rapid sampling rate allows autopilot controllers like PX4, ArduPilot, and Betaflight to perform smooth automated landings, low-altitude terrain following, and fast reactive obstacle avoidance.
Programmable Region of Interest (ROI) & Field of View The receiving array features a customizable Field of View (FoV) that can be dynamically scaled from 15° to 27°. This allows integration engineers to narrow the cone of perception to prevent false triggers from landing gear, prop guards, or narrow airframe structures.
Direct Autopilot Integration Pre-configured for plug-and-play operation with major flight management systems, the module operates over standard I2C. Native firmware support across Pixhawk and open-source drone platforms simplifies setup for ground detection, altitude hold, and indoor navigation without requiring external signal translators.
Eye-Safe & Ambient Light Filtered Equipped with an integrated physical infrared filter and a Class 1 eye-safe laser emitter, the VL53L1X operates safely around humans while suppressing ambient sunlight interference across short, medium, and long-range flight regimes.
