STMicroelectronics Launches 64‑Zone Direct Time‑of‑Flight Sensor for Ultra‑Detailed Scene Mapping

STMicroelectronics has expanded its FlightSense portfolio with the world’s first 64‑zone direct time‑of‑flight (ToF) sensor, the VL53L5, which partitions a scene into discrete zones to give imaging systems an unprecedented spatial understanding.

The VL53L5 houses a 940 nm VCSEL light source, a system‑on‑chip that combines the VCSEL driver, a single‑photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array, and a low‑power 32‑bit MCU core with an embedded accelerator. It maintains the Class 1 certification of all FlightSense devices, ensuring it is eye‑safe for consumer applications. The miniature module integrates optical elements that create 64 ranging zones, unlocking new capabilities in autofocus, gesture detection, and presence sensing.

Eric Aussedat, ST’s imaging division GM, explained, “Delivering 64× more ranging zones than before, the VL53L5 delivers radical gains in laser autofocus, touch‑to‑focus, presence detection, and gesture interfaces, all while enabling developers to craft more innovative imaging solutions.” The sensor uses ST’s advanced 40 nm SPAD process to achieve 4 m range performance and up to 64 simultaneous zones.

With each generation, ST adds high‑value performance improvements across a broad spectrum of use cases—from human‑presence detection that manages laptop and monitor wake‑up to hybrid laser‑autofocus in flagship smartphone cameras. FlightSense’s autofocus is embedded in most of the highest‑ranking smartphone cameras, according to DXOMARK, an independent image‑quality benchmark.

Laser autofocus delivers rapid, precise focusing in low‑light and low‑contrast scenarios that challenge conventional systems. Leading OEMs now ship over 150 phone models with ST’s FlightSense modules.

Packaged in a 6.4 × 3.0 × 1.5 mm module, the VL53L5 integrates transmit and receive optics and expands the field of view to 61° diagonally. This wide FoV ensures accurate autofocus even in image corners, while the 64‑zone ranging data supports touch‑to‑focus and other advanced features, dramatically enhancing camera performance and versatility.

The SPAD array offers flexibility: users can prioritize spatial resolution, outputting all 64 zones at up to 15 fps, or maximize ranging distance, providing 4×4 or 16 zones at 60 fps.

Automatic per‑zone calibration, direct ToF, and multi‑target detection allow each zone to reject cover‑glass reflections. Raw SPAD data is post‑processed by an embedded MCU and accelerator before being transferred to the host via I²C or SPI, eliminating the need for a dedicated camera interface or powerful receiver MCU while ensuring high‑quality, high‑performance operation.

ST’s vertically integrated manufacturing—producing SPAD wafers on a proprietary 40 nm process at its 12‑inch plant in Crolles, France, and assembling modules in Asia—supports rapid, scalable production. The VL53L5 is already in mass production, with millions of units shipped to leading wireless and PC manufacturers, and is pre‑integrated on Android and Windows platforms with readily available drivers.