The VL53L0X / TF-Luna LiDAR sensor measures distance by timing a 940 nm infrared laser pulse to and from the target. Time-of-flight technology delivers centimeter-level accuracy at distances up to 12 m.
| Supply voltage | 3.3 – 5 V |
| Range | 0.1 – 12 m |
| Accuracy | ± 1 cm (typical) |
| Interface | I²C (400 kHz) or UART |
| Update rate | Up to 100 Hz |
| Laser class | Class 1 (eye-safe) |
| Wavelength | 940 nm IR |
| Package | TF-Luna module |
A laser diode emits a brief pulse; an avalanche photodiode detects the echo. Internal ASIC counts clock cycles between emission and detection — the speed of light (0.3 m/ns) converts this to distance. Integrated SPAD array improves SNR in ambient light.
Glass, water, and mirrors cause false readings or zero returns. Dark or absorptive surfaces reduce maximum range. Strong ambient IR (sunlight) degrades accuracy outdoors. Minimum range blind spot at < 10 cm.