Hi readers! I hope you are fine and spending each day learning more about technology. Today, the subject of discussion is the FlightSense Multi-zone distance sensor with an ultra-wide 90° field of view for presence detection. It may be something you were aware of or something new and unique.
The multi-zone distance sensors are developed by STMicroelectronics. They are high-tech ToF devices that ensure precise, reliable distance measurements. Distance is measured through infrared illumination, measuring the time light takes to return after its reflection off objects. These devices ensure that distance will be accurately calculated regardless of ambient light conditions.
With an ultra-wide 90° field of view (FoV), it is possible to monitor several zones simultaneously, which enables the presence detection, motion tracking, and object localization that can be used for detection of multiple objects in a dynamic environment, even across large spaces.
The sensors are compact and power-efficient, making them suitable for integration into a wide range of devices, including battery-operated systems. Standard communication interfaces like I²C and SPI ensure easy integration with microcontrollers and IoT platforms.
Diverse applications of FlightSense sensors include smart homes where it enables automated lighting and energy management, robotics where it is used for navigation and obstacle detection, automotive systems where it improves occupant monitoring, and consumer electronics where it is used to power gesture recognition and touchless interfaces.
FlightSense multi-zone distance sensors provide an innovative solution for modern, interactive, and intelligent systems through high accuracy, wide coverage, and low power consumption.
This article will discover its introduction, features and significations, working and principle, pinouts, datasheet, and applications.
Category |
Details |
Manufacturer |
STMicroelectronics |
Technology |
Time-of-Flight (ToF) |
Functionality |
Multi-zone distance measurement, presence detection, and object tracking |
Field of View (FoV) |
Ultra-wide 90° |
Measurement Range |
Up to 4 meters (depending on configuration and environmental conditions) |
Number of Zones |
Up to 64 zones |
Accuracy |
±3% under typical operating conditions |
Resolution |
Millimeter-level precision |
Light Source |
Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) |
Wavelength |
Infrared, ~940 nm |
Output Data Rate (ODR) |
Configurable, up to 60 Hz |
Data Output Format |
Distance per zone (array of measured distances) |
Communication Interfaces |
I²C (up to 400 kHz), SPI (up to 10 MHz) |
Interrupt Pin |
Configurable for data-ready or specific event notifications |
Power Supply Voltage |
2.6V to 3.5V |
Current Consumption |
<20 mA during operation, <1 mA in standby mode |
Temperature Range |
Operating: -20°C to +85°C, Storage: -40°C to +125°C |
Ambient Light Immunity |
Resistant to ambient light interference up to 100k lux |
Package Dimensions |
Compact, typically 4.4 mm × 2.4 mm × 1 mm |
Mounting |
Surface-mount technology (SMT) |
Signal Processing |
Embedded filtering and noise reduction algorithms |
Gesture Recognition |
Integrated algorithms for basic gesture recognition, e.g., swipe or tap gestures |
Applications |
Smart homes, robotics, IoT devices, automotive systems, gaming, interactive electronics |
Compliance |
RoHS, REACH, Class 1 laser safety |
Typical Use Cases |
- Presence detection in smart home devices - Obstacle detection in robotics - Touchless control in consumer electronics - Gesture-based interaction - Safety and security systems |
Accessories |
Evaluation boards, software development kits (SDKs), and configuration tools are available |
Pin Number |
Pin Name |
Type |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
VDD |
Power Supply |
Provides the operating voltage for the sensor, typically 2.8V or 3.3V. |
2 |
GND |
Ground |
Ground reference for the sensor’s power and signals. |
3 |
SDA |
I²C Data Line |
Serial data line for I²C communication; used for data transfer with the host microcontroller. |
4 |
SCL |
I²C Clock Line |
Serial clock line for I²C communication; synchronizes data transfer between the sensor and the host. |
5 |
XSHUT |
Shutdown Control |
Used to enable or disable the sensor; a low signal puts the sensor in standby mode. |
6 |
GPIO1 |
General Purpose |
Configurable input/output pin for interrupt signaling or other functions based on application. |
7 |
INT |
Interrupt Output |
Provides an interrupt signal to the host controller when certain events occur, such as data readiness. |
8 |
SPI_MOSI |
SPI Data Input |
Master Out Slave In pin for SPI communication; used to send data from the master to the sensor. |
9 |
SPI_MISO |
SPI Data Output |
Master In Slave Out pin for SPI communication; used to send data from the sensor to the master. |
10 |
SPI_CLK |
SPI Clock |
Serial clock for SPI communication; synchronizes data transfer. |
11 |
SPI_CS |
Chip Select |
Used to select the sensor during SPI communication; active low. |
12 |
AVDD |
Analog Supply |
Dedicated power supply for the analog circuitry of the sensor. |
13 |
RESET |
Reset Input |
Resets the sensor to its default state when pulling low |
Time-of-Flight (ToF) Technology
The FlightSense sensors utilize ToF, which takes measurements of how long pulses of infrared light take for the light to hit an object and bounce back to the sensor.
This technology provides accurate distances under all ambient lighting, which makes the sensors robust in all kinds of environmental conditions.
The ToF technology minimizes errors due to changes in surface reflectivity or environmental light interference in the measurement.
Equipped with multi-zone functionality, the sensor can read distances in multiple zones within the view.
This feature gives it the ability to monitor and track multiple objects in a dynamic environment.
Applicability includes motion tracking object localization and human presence.
This gives a detailed understanding of the spatial environment that it is in.
The sensor's 90° FoV is much wider than what many other distance sensors possess in the market.
This ultra-wide FoV allows the sensor to cover large areas, which makes it suitable for wide-space applications like room presence detection and robotics navigation.
The broad FoV ensures comprehensive monitoring without requiring multiple sensors.
The sensor offers highly accurate distance measurements with a resolution of up to a few millimeters. It can measure distances from a few centimeters to several meters, depending on the model and configuration.
This level of precision makes applications, like gesture recognition, touchless control, and robotics, where it is quite vital to provide high accuracy.
FlightSense sensors are designed for low-power consumption and would be suited for battery-driven devices or energy-efficient devices.
Diverse power modes, namely standby and low-power, enable the selection of different energy consumptions according to the needs of the specific application.
That makes it suitable for use in Internet of Things applications, smart home applications, as well as on portable consumer electronics.
The device has a low profile due to its form factor allowing it to fit into space-sensitive devices.
Although compact, they still manage to deliver high performance, thus being very ideal for wearable technology, smartphones, and compact consumer electronics.
The sensor has been designed to function robustly in various environmental conditions. These include varying lighting and temperature. It can be used both in bright sunlight and in complete darkness, making it versatile for indoor and outdoor applications.
Temperature compensation helps the sensor to perform well within a wide temperature range.
FlightSense sensors offer standard communication protocols:
I²C: Suitable for low-speed applications where simple two-wire communication is needed.
SPI: Ideal for real-time applications, and high-speed communication.
The interfaces offer easy integration with microcontrollers, processors, and IoT platforms.
The sensor has interrupt pins that allow the host controller to be notified about events such as data readiness or object detection.
It reduces the need for constant polling, therefore improving the system's efficiency and response time.
Embedded algorithms enable the sensor to execute advanced functions such as multi-object tracking and gesture recognition without the need for extensive external processing.
This reduces the computational load on the host system, allowing for faster and more efficient operation.
The built-in FIFO buffer enables temporary storage of measurement data, reducing the need for constant communication with the host processor.
This feature enhances effectiveness in applications where multiple data points are collected and processed.
FlightSense sensors are designed for high lifecycle usage, with high tolerance and resistance to environmental features
They are put into rigid testing to ensure even consistency over a long period, even in problematic conditions
14. Dev- Friendly Tools
STMicroelectronics offers comprehensive resources -software libraries, drivers as well as reference designs -to make developer work easier.
The availability of evaluation boards and development kits accelerates prototyping and system integration.
15. Customization and Scalability
The sensors can be configured for specific applications, allowing users to adjust parameters like measurement range, sampling rate, and power mode.
This flexibility ensures optimal performance across a wide range of use cases.
ToF technology is the base of FlightSense sensors. It works this way:
Light Emission: The sensor emits a pulse of infrared light, normally by a VCSEL. Infrared light is invisible to human eyes and safe for use in consumer devices.
The produced light travels within the environment to reflect from various objects within its field of view in a sensor. How much time it requires to return will depend upon the distance the object is positioned from the sensor.
A photodetector in a sensor captures this reflected light. Measures the amount of delay before a light ray returns.
The sensor calculates the distance to the object by using the speed of light and the time delay, with the formula:
Distance=Speed of Light×Time Delay/2
This is a very accurate calculation that enables the measurement of distances even in complex environments.
The sensor divides its field of view (FoV) into multiple zones, so it can measure several areas at the same time.
The sensor divides its Field of View using optical components to divide it into separate zones, each of which operates separately, measuring distance and observing things.
It can track several objects and capture them in various zones in one go. This sensor is perfectly suited for applications in robotics, gesture recognition, or just presence detection, where knowing your location in space is critical.
FlightSense sensors include an ultra-wide 90° FoV, which provides more effective monitoring of areas that cannot be covered by a single sensor.
Special lenses on the sensor expand its scope and gather data from a much broader area.
This wide FoV diminishes blind spots and enables full detection across the range of the sensor even at the edges.
Accurate distance measurement requires advanced signal processing to filter noise and enhance reliability.
It amplifies a weak reflected signal so it can be detected.
The algorithms remove noises due to environmental sources, such as ambient light or reflective surfaces.
This processing helps ensure performance is consistent and reliable, even in trying conditions of bright sunlight or low light.
FlightSense sensors have embedded processors that perform complex calculations and execute advanced algorithms.
The sensor internally processes raw data, leaving the host system to process less.
Algorithms embedded in the sensor enable features like gesture recognition, where the sensor recognizes and interprets hand movements. It can differentiate between multiple objects in its view and provide detailed spatial data.
FlightSense sensors offer data output through standard communication interfaces including I²C and SPI.
The I²C interface is ideal for low-speed applications as it allows a sensor to communicate with the microcontroller through a simple two-wire connection.
The SPI interface makes possible high-speed communication hence ideal for real-time applications in need of rapid data transfer.
The sensor has interrupt pins that let the host system know that an event has occurred, such as new data availability or the detection of an object.
FlightSense sensors are designed to conserve power, especially for devices that run on batteries.
It goes into a low-power standby mode when not in the process of measuring.
The sensor adjusts its power consumption according to the range and operating conditions, optimizing energy efficiency.
FlightSense sensors are designed to work reliably in a wide range of environmental conditions.
The sensor compensates for ambient light interference, ensuring accurate measurements even in brightly lit environments.
Built-in temperature sensors adjust the ToF calculations to account for temperature variations, maintaining accuracy.
The sensor's construction is robust enough that it would stay reliable under harsh conditions.
The real-time operation ability of this sensor is quite suitable for applications requiring high-speed data provision.
The sensor operates at relatively high speeds, thus recording data captured at intervals of a few milliseconds.
FlightSense sensors are designed for easy integration into various systems.
The small form factor allows integration into space-constrained devices such as smartphones and wearables.
Multiple sensors can be combined to create advanced systems with enhanced coverage and capabilities.
It is used for presence detection, gesture control, and energy optimization by adjusting lighting and climate based on room occupancy.
It supports obstacle avoidance, navigation, and multi-object tracking, making robots more autonomous and efficient in dynamic environments.
It facilitates driver monitoring, in-cabin safety, and gesture-based controls, improving user interaction and safety in vehicles.
Allows contactless control of smart applications like home automation, gaming, and wearables.
It is used in Process Monitoring, Asset Tracking, and Safety Systems. It measures a distance precisely in a Factory or Warehouse environment.
It is used in detecting the presence of patients, gesture-based control medical devices, and monitoring in healthcare environments.
Ideal for smart IoT applications that require multi-object tracking, environmental monitoring, and non-contact sensing for user-friendly interaction.
The FlightSense multi-zone distance sensor is an advanced and versatile solution for a wide range of applications. With the use of Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology and an ultra-wide 90° field of view, it provides accurate distance measurements and reliable presence detection in a variety of industries. In smart homes, it allows for energy optimization and gesture-based control, while in robotics, it enhances navigation and obstacle avoidance. Improved safety and driver monitoring are the benefits of automotive applications, while consumer electronics use them for touchless interactions and immersive experiences. Its role in industrial automation and healthcare systems also shows its capability in process monitoring and patient presence detection. With its compact size, low power consumption, and high accuracy, the FlightSense sensor is a vital component in modern IoT applications, driving innovation in smart technologies. Its flexibility and specificity make it very important in virtually all consumer, automotive, industrial, and healthcare industries.
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