Holybro ST VL53L1X Lidar
by Holybro

The Holybro ST VL53L1X Lidar (SKU: 19004) is a miniature Time-of-Flight (ToF) laser-ranging distance sensor engineered for precision altitude hold, terrain following, indoor hovering, and automated landing assistance on autonomous UAVs and robotics platforms. Built around the STMicroelectronics FlightSense™ VL53L1X chipset, this sensor integrates a 940nm invisible Class 1 infrared VCSEL laser emitter, a Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) receiving array with integrated optics, and an onboard low-power microcontroller running digital ranging firmware.

Unlike conventional ultrasonic or infrared intensity sensors whose readings vary with surface color and reflectivity, the VL53L1X measures the exact flight time of emitted infrared photons to deliver absolute distance measurements up to 400 cm (4 meters) at update frequencies up to 50 Hz. Outfitted with an onboard voltage regulator supporting 3.3V to 5V DC input, a pre-installed 200mm 4-pin JST-GH latching cable for direct I2C connection to Pixhawk-standard flight controllers, and a form-fitting TPU protective case shell, the module weighs just 2.4 grams and integrates seamlessly into PX4 and ArduPilot platforms.

Key Features

• True Time-of-Flight (ToF) Laser Ranging: Measures actual photon travel time using a 940nm Class 1 invisible infrared laser and SPAD detector array, ensuring accurate distance readings regardless of target color or surface reflectance.

• 4-Meter Range & 50Hz Update Rate: Delivers fast, reliable altitude and proximity measurements up to 400 cm at ranging frequencies up to 50 Hz across Short (1.3m), Medium (3.0m), and Long (4.0m) distance modes.

• Programmable Region of Interest (ROI): Allows host controllers to adjust both the size and position of the active SPAD receiving zone, narrowing the 27° diagonal field of view down to 15° or enabling multizone detection.

• Plug-and-Play Pixhawk I2C Integration: Arrives with a pre-installed 200mm 4-pin JST-GH 1.25mm latching cable that plugs directly into standard Pixhawk I2C ports

• Wide 3.3V–5V Operating Input: Integrated onboard voltage regulation accepts standard 3.3V to 5V DC flight controller power rails while protecting the 2.8V optical sensor core.

• Ultralight 2.4g Footprint with TPU Shell: Compact 25 x 10.7 x 3.2 mm board ships with a custom-molded TPU protective housing for vibration-resistant airframe mounting.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer SKU / Part Number: 19004

• Sensor Chipset: STMicroelectronics VL53L1X (FlightSense™ ToF)

• Laser Emitter: 940 nm Invisible Infrared VCSEL (Class 1 Eye-Safe, IEC 60825-1:2014 compliant)

• Receiver Architecture: Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) Array with Integrated Lens & Physical IR Filter

• Maximum Ranging Distance: Up to 400 cm (4.0 m) (3.6 m recommended max parameter in ArduPilot)

• Distance Ranging Modes: Short (up to 1.3 m), Medium (up to 3.0 m), Long (up to 4.0 m)

• Ranging Frequency: Up to 50 Hz (Timing budget configurable from 20 ms to 1000 ms)

• Field of View (FoV): 27° typical full diagonal FoV (Programmable ROI from 15° to 27°)

• Communication Interface: I2C

• Working Input Voltage: 3.3V – 5.0V DC (Onboard regulator for 2.8V sensor core)

• Connector & Cable: Pre-Installed 4-Pin JST-GH (1.25mm pitch) Latching Cable (200 mm length)

• Operating Temperature Range: -20°C to +85°C

• Firmware Compatibility: PX4 Autopilot, ArduPilot (Copter, Plane, Rover)

• Dimensions: 25.0 mm x 10.7 mm x 3.2 mm

• Net Weight: 2.4 grams

• Enclosure: Included Molded TPU Protective Case Shell

What Is Included

• (1) Holybro ST VL53L1X Lidar Sensor Module (SKU: 19004)

• (1) Pre-Installed 4-Pin JST-GH (GH4P) 200mm Cable

• (1) TPU Protective Case Shell