#timeofflight

We stock many ST VL5 series ToF sensors (https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=VL5), but it's always a good idea to peek at what else is available on the market. Here's a multi-zone Time of Flight sensor from ams OSRAM - the TMF8828 (https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/ams-osram-usa-inc/TMF8828-1AM/16285671) with 8x8 zones and up to 5 meters detection. Here's a quick QT breakout for this sensor and the support circuitry so we can try it out. Coming soon.

we stock a pretty wide variety of ST ToF sensors these use a micro laser to bounce photos off objects for precision distance detection. the VL53L5 has 64 'zones' in an 8x8 grid as well as up-to-4 meter sensing distance. we spun it into this breakout board for a quick test.

STMicroelectronics has launched the VL53L9, its first direct Time-of-Flight 3D LiDAR all-in-one module. The device offers 2,268 resolution zones in a 54×42 arrangement and a 54°×42° field of view. It measures distances from under 5 cm to 9 meters with up to 1 percent accuracy and runs up to 100 frames per second.

“VL53L9 demonstrates how far Time-of-Flight sensing has evolved, combining high-resolution depth data, up to 100 frames per second, and a fully integrated architecture in a single compact module. By simplifying integration and reducing system complexity, we enable customers to accelerate the development of applications such as robotics, smart infrastructure, and healthcare monitoring,” said Alexandre Balmefrezol, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Imaging Sub-Group at STMicroelectronics. “This launch reflects our strategy to move beyond standalone sensors and deliver integrated sensing systems that support real-world edge AI.”

Texas Instruments' LMH13000 is a high-speed, voltage-controlled current driver now available from Mouser Electronics. It supports continuous currents up to 1A and pulsed currents up to 5A with rise and fall times under 1ns, making it ideal for LiDAR, time-of-flight, optical sensors, and medical applications. Its HotRod package enables ultra-low inductance for faster switching, while integrated thermal shutdown ensures safety.