Hookup Guide
Schematic
Datasheet (VL53L5CX)Product Overview
The SparkFun Qwiic Mini ToF Imager packs the incredible 3D sensing capabilities of the VL53L5CX into a footprint half the size of our standard board. Measuring just 0.5-inch x 1-inch, this board is designed specifically for tight spaces and sleek enclosures. It integrates the same SPAD array and optical elements as its bigger brother, delivering a 64-pixel (8x8) depth map that gives your project true vision capabilities rather than just a simple distance number.
Designed for Enclosures
We redesigned the layout to make mounting easier than ever. Unlike standard breakouts, we placed the Qwiic connectors on the back in a vertical orientation.
- Flush Mounting: This allows you to mount the sensor flush against the wall of a chassis or enclosure—facing outward—while keeping your cables tucked cleanly away behind it.
- Clean Look: It is the ideal form factor for robotics "eyes," user presence detection systems, or gesture control panels, where you don't want wires protruding from the sides.
Multizone Ranging & Algorithms
Despite its tiny size, it sacrifices nothing in performance compared to the larger board:
- Wide Vision: Covers a 63° diagonal Field-of-View, measuring distance to 64 separate zones simultaneously
- Long Range: Capable of measuring distances up to 4000mm (4 meters) across all zones at speeds up to 15Hz.
- Smart Detection: Thanks to ST's patented Histogram algorithms, the sensor can detect multiple objects within the Field-of-View and provides immunity to crosstalk from cover glass (beyond 60cm).
Controller Compatibility
This Qwiic Mini VL53L5CX ToF Imager is highly advanced, and with that power comes a specific requirement: it must load its firmware (~90KB) over the I2C bus every time it powers on. This means standard 8-bit microcontrollers like the Arduino Uno do not have enough flash memory to handle this sensor. To use this imager, you will need a more capable board with sufficient memory, such as the SparkFun Artemis, an ESP32-equipped board, or a Raspberry Pi RP2040/RP2350 board.
