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VI5300 Laser Infrared ToF Distance Sensor Module + Optical Cover – 4m Range, Enhanced Alternative to VL53L1X

SKU: FA3021-18-1
Sensor Type

Direct Time-of-Flight (dToF)
Ranging Range

2.5cm – 4m (recommended >10cm)
Laser Wavelength

940nm (invisible VCSEL)
Ranging Frequency

Up to 90Hz
Measurement Accuracy

±4%
Interface

I²C (fast mode, up to 1MHz)
Operating Voltage

3.3V – 5V (module level)
Package Size

Sensor: 4.4×2.4×0.975mm; Module: approx. 25×10.7×3.2mm

The VI5300 Laser Infrared ToF Distance Sensor Module with Optical Cover is a high-performance, direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) ranging sensor designed as a superior replacement for the VL53L0X, VL53L1X, and VL53L3X series. It integrates a 940nm VCSEL laser emitter and a Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) receiving array in a compact system-in-package design, delivering accurate distance measurements up to 4 meters without being affected by target color, reflectivity, or texture .

At the heart of the module is the VI5300 sensor, which uses direct Time-of-Flight measurement combined with a histogram algorithm and a reference SPAD for enhanced accuracy and reliability . The sensor achieves a ranging frequency of up to 90Hz, making it suitable for fast, real-time applications including robotics obstacle avoidance, autofocus assistance, and gesture recognition . The measurement accuracy is rated at ±4% across the full range, with a typical minimum detection distance of 2.5cm (recommended usage above 10cm) .

The included optical cover protects the sensitive laser emitter and SPAD array from dust, moisture, and physical contact. The module features on-chip compensation for environmental light suppression, cover glass calibration, and dynamic cover glass smudge/stain compensation, ensuring stable and reliable operation even when mounted behind a glass or acrylic panel . During power-up initialization, the module automatically performs calibration; ensure no targets are within 60cm and no IR light sources are present for optimal results .

The VI5300 is a Class 1 laser product compliant with the latest IEC 60825-1:2014 standard, ensuring eye safety under normal operating conditions . It operates from a wide power supply range of 3.3V–5V (module level) and communicates via an I²C fast-mode interface (up to 1MHz), with a programmable I²C address and XSHUT reset pin for power management . The module is fully compatible with existing VL53L0X/VL53L1X/VL53L3X codebases, making it an ideal drop-in replacement .

Important Note: The module is sensitive to ambient natural light. In strong sunlight conditions, the effective ranging distance may be reduced, and performance is best in indoor or controlled lighting environments . The sensor is not waterproof and should be kept dry. The VI5300 requires a 32-bit MCU for full feature support; 8-bit Arduino boards may be insufficient for advanced functions. Use the official VI5300 driver or compatible VL53L1X libraries with pin-compatible configuration.

Whether you are building obstacle-avoidance robots, drone landing assist systems, or smart building automation, the VI5300 Laser Infrared ToF Distance Sensor Module provides a reliable, accurate, and cost-effective solution. It is suitable for individual makers, engineers, and businesses purchasing in bulk for product development or industrial applications.

Features

  • Direct ToF (dToF) sensor — 940nm VCSEL emitter with SPAD receiving array

  • 4m ranging range — Accurate distance measurement up to 4 meters

  • 90Hz ranging frequency — Fast, real-time measurement capability

  • ±4% accuracy — Reliable measurement independent of target color and reflectivity

  • Optical cover included — Protects the sensor from dust, moisture, and contact

  • On-chip compensation — Environmental light suppression, cover glass calibration, dynamic smudge compensation

  • Pin-compatible replacement — Drop-in compatible with VL53L0X, VL53L1X, and VL53L3X

  • Class 1 eye-safe laser — Compliant with IEC 60825-1:2014 standard

  • I²C interface — Fast-mode communication with programmable address

  • Wide voltage range — 3.3V–5V module operation

Technical Specifications 

# Parameter Specification
1 Sensor Type Direct Time-of-Flight (dToF)
2 Ranging Range 2.5cm – 4m (recommended >10cm)
3 Laser Wavelength 940nm (invisible VCSEL)
4 Ranging Frequency Up to 90Hz
5 Measurement Accuracy ±4%
6 Interface I²C (fast mode, up to 1MHz)
7 Operating Voltage 3.3V – 5V (module level)
8 Package Size Sensor: 4.4×2.4×0.975mm; Module: approx. 25×10.7×3.2mm 

Usage

Getting Started

  1. Connect power — Supply 3.3V or 5V DC to the VIN pin and GND to ground. The module includes an onboard voltage regulator .

  2. Connect I²C lines — Connect SDA to your microcontroller‘s I²C data line and SCL to the I²C clock line. External 1.5kΩ pull-up resistors are required on SDA and SCL .

  3. Connect control pins — Connect XSHUT to a GPIO for hardware reset (active low), and GPIO1/INT for interrupt notification .

  4. Initialize — During power-up initialization, ensure no targets are within 60cm and no IR light sources are in the environment. The module automatically performs cover glass calibration and smudge compensation .

  5. Install the driver — Use the official VI5300 driver or compatible VL53L1X Arduino/STM32 libraries. For STM32, connect CLK to PB6, SDA to PB7, GPIO to PB10, and XSHUT to PB9 .

  6. Read data — After initialization, read distance, noise, and confidence values. Lower noise and higher confidence indicate more reliable measurements .

Pin Connections (Typical)

Pin Function
VIN Power (3.3V–5V)
GND Ground
SCL I²C Clock
SDA I²C Data
GPIO Interrupt output (optional)
XSHUT Hardware reset (active low)

Output Data Format

Field Description
Distance Measured distance in mm
Noise Signal noise level (lower is better)
Confidence Measurement confidence (higher is better)

Typical Applications

  • Mobile robots — Fast obstacle detection and wall following

  • Robot vacuum cleaners — Cliff detection and navigation

  • Drone navigation — Landing assist, hovering, and ground proximity detection

  • Automatic dispensers — Soap, paper towel, and faucet activation

  • User detection — Wake-on-approach for laptops, monitors, and IoT devices

  • Smart buildings and lighting — People detection and gesture control

  • Laser autofocus assistance — Camera focus enhancement in low light

  • 1D gesture recognition — Simple hand gesture detection

Notes for Business Buyers

  • Pin-compatible replacement — Direct drop-in for VL53L0X/VL53L1X/VL53L3X designs, reducing redesign effort .

  • Domestic supply chain — VI5300 is a Chinese-developed sensor, offering supply chain flexibility and cost advantages .

  • Optical cover included — Protects the sensor for reliable operation in dusty or humid environments .

  • Suitable for bulk purchasing — Ideal for robotics manufacturers, smart home product developers, and automation integrators.

Q: What is the VI5300 Laser Infrared ToF Distance Sensor Module used for?

It is a high-precision, 4m-range Time-of-Flight distance sensor used for mobile robot obstacle avoidance, robot vacuum navigation, drone landing assist, automatic dispensers, user detection, and gesture recognition .

Q: What is the measurement range and accuracy?

The module measures from 2.5cm to 4m (recommended usage above 10cm) with ±4% accuracy across the full range .

Q: What is the difference between VI5300 and VL53L1X?

The VI5300 is a pin-compatible replacement for VL53L0X, VL53L1X, and VL53L3X sensors. It offers 4m ranging and 90Hz frequency, with on-chip cover glass calibration and smudge compensation . The VL53L1X offers programmable FoV and ROI but requires ST‘s proprietary libraries.

Q: Is the laser safe for the eyes?

Yes. The VI5300 is a Class 1 laser product compliant with IEC 60825-1:2014, ensuring eye safety under normal operating conditions .

Q: What is the I²C address and speed?

The module supports a programmable I²C address and communicates in fast mode up to 1MHz. For module variants, the I²C address may be fixed or configurable via software .

Q: How do I initialize the module for accurate measurements?

During power-up initialization, ensure no targets are within 60cm and no IR light sources are present. The module automatically performs cover glass calibration and smudge compensation at this time .

Q: What do the Distance, Noise, and Confidence values mean?

Distance is the measured range in mm. Noise indicates signal interference (lower is better; typically below 100 indoors). Confidence indicates measurement reliability (above 80 is generally accurate) .

Q: Can the sensor detect transparent objects?

Not reliably. The 940nm laser can pass through glass and clear plastic without reflecting. The VI5300 may not detect transparent targets reliably.

Q: Is the module affected by sunlight?

Yes. Strong natural light reduces effective range and accuracy. In bright sunlight, use the sensor for close-range detection only .

Q: Can I purchase in bulk for a product development project?

Yes. The VI5300 is suitable for bulk purchasing by robot manufacturers, smart home product developers, and automation integrators. It is a domestic alternative to ST ToF sensors with competitive pricing and supply chain availability .

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