MIKROE Proximity 15 Click is a compact add-on board that contains a close-range proximity sensing solution. This board features the VL53L1, a state-of-the-art, Time-of-Flight (ToF), a laser-ranging miniature sensor from STMicroelectronics. The VL53L1 allows absolute distance measurement, whatever the target color and reflectance. It integrates a SPAD (single-photon avalanche diode) array, physical infrared filters, and optics to achieve the best-ranging performance in various ambient lighting conditions, with a wide range of cover windows. It provides accurate ranging above 4m and can work at fast speeds (60Hz). With patented algorithms and ingenious module construction, the VL53L1 is also able to detect different objects within the field of view and scene browsing and multi-zone detection. This Click board™ is suitable for consumer and industrial applications such as multi-object detection and multi-array scanning.

Proximity 15 Click is supported by a mikroSDK compliant library, which includes functions that simplify software development.

Proximity 15 Click as its foundation uses the VL53L1, a third-generation time-of-flight (ToF) laser-ranging sensor from STMicroelectronics. The VL53L1 brings multi-object detection and multi-array scanning, doubling the range of operation to above 4m. It also allows novel features such as multi-target detection and programmable multi-zone scanning, suitable for robotics, user detection, drones, IoT, and wearable applications.

The sensor module integrates a VCSEL that emits at a wavelength of 940nm, a processor core, and a SPAD photon detector. The addition of the optical lens system increases the photon detection rate to boost the module’s ranging performance. The VL53L1 performs an entire measurement operation in as little as 5ms, and for Auto-Focus applications, the sensor detects objects twice.

Proximity 15 Click communicates with MCU using the standard I2C 2-Wire interface to read data and configure settings, supporting Fast Mode Plus Mode up to 1MHz. It also features an intelligent interrupt function that generates every time a ranging measurement is available. Once the host reads the result, the interrupt is cleared, and the ranging sequence can repeat. Besides the interrupt pin, the Xshutdown (reset) pin labeled as XSH and routed to the CS pin of the mikroBUS™ socket optimizes power consumption used for power ON/OFF purposes. This option optimizes power consumption as the VL53L1 can be completely powered off when not used, and then woken up through the host GPIO (using the XSH pin).

This Click board™ can be operated only with a 3.3V logic voltage level. The board must perform appropriate logic voltage level conversion before use with MCUs with different logic levels. However, the Click board™ comes equipped with a library containing functions and an example code that can be used, as a reference, for further development.

• Interface: I²C
• Compatibility: mikroBUS™
• Dimensions: 28.6 x 25.4mm
• Input Voltage: 3.3V
• Operating Range: Min. 4cm, Max. 800cm
• Peak Wavelength: 940nm
• Operating Temperature Range: Min. -20°C, Typ. +25°C, Max. +85°C

• Schematic
• VL53L1 Datasheet
• mikroSDK
• GitHub