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VL53L1X Laser Infrared Distance Sensor Module – 4m Range

SKU: FA3021-19
Sensor IC

STMicroelectronics VL53L1X
Measurement Range

4cm – 400cm (4m); up to 4.5m in dark conditions
Laser Wavelength

940nm (invisible infrared)
Field of View

Programmable 15° – 27°
Interface

I²C (default address 0x29)
Operating Voltage

3.3V – 5V DC (onboard regulator)
Laser Class

Class 1 (eye-safe)
Minimum Ranging Time

20ms

The VL53L1X Laser Infrared Distance Sensor Module is a high-performance, long-range Time-of-Flight (ToF) distance sensor built around the STMicroelectronics VL53L1X IC. Using 940nm invisible infrared laser technology, it measures absolute distances from 4cm up to 400cm (4m) with millimeter-level precision, making it a significant upgrade from the VL53L0X in both range and flexibility. It is an ideal solution for robotics, drone altitude control, smart building automation, and industrial sensing applications.

At the heart of the module is the VL53L1X, ST’s second-generation FlightSense™ ToF sensor. It emits invisible 940nm infrared laser pulses and measures the time required for the light to reflect back from a target object. This Time-of-Flight principle enables the sensor to measure absolute distance regardless of the target’s color, surface texture, or reflectivity. Unlike ultrasonic sensors that are affected by soft, angled, or irregular surfaces, and unlike IR proximity sensors that depend on reflected intensity, the VL53L1X delivers consistent, reliable readings across a wide range of targets.

The VL53L1X offers several advantages over the VL53L0X:

  • Extended range — Up to 4m (vs. 2m for VL53L0X), with up to 4.5m in dark conditions

  • Programmable field of view — The FoV can be configured via software from 15° to 27°, allowing you to optimize for wide-angle detection or long-range narrow-beam sensing

  • Programmable region of interest (ROI) — The sensor’s active area can be reduced to focus on a specific zone, enabling multi-zone scanning and gesture recognition applications

  • Faster ranging — Minimum ranging time of 20ms (vs. 30ms for VL53L0X) for higher-speed applications

  • Better ambient light immunity — Improved performance in bright environments

The module uses a single I²C interface supporting standard mode (100kHz) and fast mode (400kHz), with a default I²C address of 0x29 (7-bit). The sensor supports up to 4 different I²C addresses via software configuration, enabling multiple VL53L1X modules on the same bus for multi-zone sensing applications. The module operates from 3.3V or 5V DC thanks to its onboard voltage regulator and level shifter, making it directly compatible with both 3.3V (ESP32, Raspberry Pi) and 5V (Arduino Uno) microcontrollers.

The module features a 4-pin interface (VCC, GND, SDA, SCL) for straightforward wiring. The compact form factor with mounting holes allows easy integration into robot chassis, sensor arrays, and custom enclosures. The laser class is Class 1, meaning it is completely eye-safe under normal use, with no special safety precautions required.

The VL53L1X is widely used in obstacle avoidance robots, drone altitude control and landing assist, automatic door systems, presence detection, liquid level sensing, gesture recognition, camera autofocus systems, vacuum cleaner navigation, people counting, and educational STEM projects. It is also popular in IoT devices and wearable technology where precise, long-range distance measurement is required.

Important Note: The VL53L1X uses laser light for measurement, which can pass through transparent objects (glass, clear plastic) without reflecting, so it may not detect them reliably. The maximum range of 4m is achievable in low-ambient-light conditions; bright sunlight can reduce the effective range. The module is not waterproof and should be kept dry. For best results, use the ST VL53L1X API library or Pololu VL53L1X library available for Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Note that the VL53L1X requires more memory and processing power than the VL53L0X, so a 32-bit MCU is recommended for advanced features.

Whether you are building an obstacle-avoidance robot, a drone with altitude hold, or a long-range presence detection system, the VL53L1X Laser Infrared Distance Sensor Module provides a reliable, accurate solution. It is suitable for individual makers, students, and businesses purchasing in bulk for product development or educational programs.

Features

  • VL53L1X Time-of-Flight sensor — Accurate distance measurement from 4cm to 400cm (4m)

  • 940nm infrared laser — Invisible, eye-safe Class 1 laser operation

  • Millimeter precision — Independent of target color and reflectivity

  • Programmable field of view — Configurable from 15° to 27° via software

  • Programmable region of interest (ROI) — Enables multi-zone scanning and gesture recognition

  • Fast ranging — Minimum ranging time of 20ms

  • I²C interface — Standard (100kHz) and fast (400kHz) modes

  • Multi-sensor capable — Up to 4 VL53L1X modules on one I²C bus

  • 3.3V/5V compatible — Onboard voltage regulator and level shifter

  • Wide application range — Obstacle avoidance, drone altitude, presence detection, gesture recognition

Technical Specifications

# Parameter Specification
1 Sensor IC STMicroelectronics VL53L1X
2 Measurement Range 4cm – 400cm (4m); up to 4.5m in dark conditions
3 Laser Wavelength 940nm (invisible infrared)
4 Field of View Programmable 15° – 27°
5 Interface I²C (default address 0x29)
6 Operating Voltage 3.3V – 5V DC (onboard regulator)
7 Laser Class Class 1 (eye-safe)
8 Minimum Ranging Time 20ms

Usage

Getting Started

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

  2. Connect I²C lines — Connect SDA to your microcontroller‘s I²C data line and SCL to the I²C clock line:

    • Arduino Uno: SDA → A4, SCL → A5

    • ESP32: SDA → GPIO21, SCL → GPIO22 (default)

    • ESP8266: SDA → D2, SCL → D1

    • Raspberry Pi: SDA → GPIO2, SCL → GPIO3

  3. Install the library — Install the VL53L1X library by Pololu or Adafruit VL53L1X library through the Arduino Library Manager.

  4. Upload a test sketch — Initialize the sensor and read distance values. The library provides simple functions for continuous or single-shot measurement.

  5. Configure FoV/ROI (optional) — Use the library functions to set the field of view and region of interest for your specific application.

  6. Implement control logic — Use the distance readings for obstacle avoidance, presence detection, or altitude control in your application.

Pin Connections

Module Pin Function
VCC Power (3.3V–5V)
GND Ground
SDA I²C Data
SCL I²C Clock

I²C Address Configuration

Address Configuration
0x29 Default (7-bit)
Custom Up to 4 addresses via software

Example Arduino Code

cpp
#include <Wire.h>
#include <VL53L1X.h>

VL53L1X sensor;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Wire.begin();

  sensor.init();
  sensor.setTimeout(500);
  sensor.startContinuous(50);
}

void loop() {
  Serial.print("Distance: ");
  Serial.print(sensor.read());
  Serial.println(" mm");
  delay(100);
}

Typical Applications

  • Obstacle avoidance robots — Detect objects in the robot’s path with long range

  • Drone altitude control — Maintain consistent height above ground and assist landing

  • Automatic doors — Detect approaching people

  • Presence detection — Monitor room occupancy with wide FoV

  • Liquid level sensing — Measure liquid surface without contact

  • Gesture recognition — Multi-zone scanning for hand gesture detection

  • Camera autofocus — Assist focus systems with distance data

  • Vacuum cleaner navigation — Map rooms and avoid obstacles

  • People counting — Detect and count individuals passing through a zone

  • Educational STEM projects — Teaching ToF sensing and I²C communication

Notes for Business Buyers

  • Longer range than VL53L0X — 4m range (vs. 2m) for demanding applications.

  • Programmable FoV and ROI — Flexible configuration for multi-zone and gesture applications.

  • Class 1 laser — Eye-safe, no special safety precautions required.

  • Multi-sensor capable — Up to 4 modules on one I²C bus for multi-zone sensing.

  • Suitable for bulk purchasing — Ideal for robotics manufacturers, drone integrators, and educational institutions.

Q: What is the VL53L1X Laser Infrared Distance Sensor used for?

It is a high-precision, long-range Time-of-Flight distance sensor for obstacle avoidance, drone altitude control, presence detection, gesture recognition, people counting, and educational STEM projects.

Q: What is the measurement range and accuracy?

The module measures from 4cm to 400cm (4m) with millimeter-level precision. In dark conditions, the range can extend to 4.5m.

Q: What is the difference between VL53L1X and VL53L0X?

The VL53L1X offers a longer range (4m vs. 2m), programmable field of view (15°–27°) , programmable region of interest (ROI) , and faster ranging (20ms vs. 30ms) . The VL53L0X is smaller and requires less processing power.

Q: What is the difference between VL53L1X and VL53L3CX?

The VL53L3CX adds multi-target detection (simultaneously detecting multiple objects) and cover glass crosstalk immunity, but requires more memory and processing power. The VL53L1X is simpler to implement and offers programmable FoV/ROI.

Q: Is the laser safe for the eyes?

Yes. The module uses a Class 1 laser at 940nm, which is eye-safe under normal use. No special safety precautions are required.

Q: What is the I²C address?

The default I²C address is 0x29 (7-bit). The sensor supports up to 4 different addresses via software configuration.

Q: Can I connect multiple VL53L1X modules to one I²C bus?

Yes. Up to 4 modules can be connected on the same I²C bus by assigning different addresses.

Q: Can I change the field of view?

Yes. The FoV is programmable from 15° to 27° via software, allowing you to optimize for wide-angle detection or long-range narrow-beam sensing.

Q: Can the sensor detect transparent objects?

Not reliably. The laser light can pass through glass and clear plastic without reflecting, so the sensor may not detect them. Test with your specific target.

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

Yes. This module is suitable for both individual users and business purchasing, including robotics manufacturers, drone integrators, and educational institutions.

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