Pololu VL53L8CX Time-of-Flight 8×8-Zone Distance Sensor Carrier — 4m Max, I²C/SPI, 3.2–5.5V

Turn your robot into a “mini lidar” with a real depth map. The Pololu VL53L8CX carrier is a breakout for ST’s VL53L8CX time-of-flight laser-ranging sensor that can measure absolute distance to multiple targets across multiple zones—enough data for a low-resolution depth map with up to 8×8 zones. It supports a digital I²C or SPI interface and can report distances up to 4 meters under favorable conditions, with 1 mm depth resolution.

Depth map capable: configurable 4×4 or 8×8 zone grid; each zone can include multiple targets.
Better ambient-light performance: V53L8CX is positioned as an upgrade over VL53L5CX, with improved performance in brighter conditions.
Easy interfacing: onboard level shifter shifts all I/O to the same logic level as VIN (works cleanly with 3.3V and 5V systems).
Single-supply friendly: dual regulators generate the required 1.8V and 3.3V rails from a single 3.2–5.5V supply.
Breadboard-ready: 0.1" pin spacing for standard breadboards and perfboards.

Important compatibility note:

Not recommended for 8-bit MCUs: initialization + processing requires significant RAM/code space; ST’s API for VL53L8CX typically uses over 90 KB of program memory. Consider simpler ToF alternatives (VL53L1X / VL53L0X / VL6180X) if you’re on a typical 8-bit platform.
Protective liner check: the sensor might ship with a protective liner on the IC—remove it for proper sensing.

Why/Benefits

Real multi-zone ranging

More than “one distance” — map a small scene with 4×4 or 8×8 zones for obstacle awareness.
Measures absolute distance using FlightSense time-of-flight (less dependent on object color/texture vs reflectance-only sensors).
Eye-safe 940 nm Class 1 infrared laser emitter.

Carrier board = easier wiring

3.2–5.5V input with onboard 1.8V + 3.3V regulation.
Level shifting for all I/O lines to match VIN.
Mounting holes for #2 / M2 screws (hardware not included).

Technical specifications

Product	VL53L8CX Time-of-Flight 8×8-Zone Distance Sensor Carrier with Voltage Regulators, 400cm Max
Operating voltage (VIN)	3.2V to 5.5V
Interfaces	I²C (up to 1 MHz) or SPI (up to 3 MHz)
Max range	4 m (13 ft) under favorable conditions
Minimum range	20 mm (0.8 in)
Zone grid	4×4 or 8×8
Depth resolution	1 mm
Field of view	65° diagonal (45° horizontal/vertical)
Typical active-ranging current	100 mA (peak can reach 150 mA; varies by config/environment)
Emitter	940 nm invisible Class 1 VCSEL (eye-safe)
Board size	0.5" × 0.9" × 0.1" (13 × 23 × 3 mm)
Weight	0.7 g (without header pins)

Pinout & power notes

VIN / GND: connect to your 3.2–5.5V supply (share ground with your MCU).
CORE/IOVDD: regulated 1.8V output (up to ~50 mA available for external parts).
AVDD: regulated 3.3V output (up to ~200 mA available; may drop if VIN < ~3.4V).
SDA/MOSI, SCL/MCLK, MISO, CS: level-shifted I²C/SPI lines (logic level = VIN).
SPI/I2C: mode select (pulled high by default = SPI; drive low for I²C).
INT / LP / SYNC: optional advanced pins (interrupt, I²C disable, external sync).
Wiring tip: Pololu notes the level shifter is sensitive to external loads—keep comm wires short (ideally under ~8 cm) and avoid heavy bus loading.

FAQ

Can I use this with Arduino Uno / other 8-bit boards?

Pololu does not recommend it—initialization and data processing require significant RAM/code space, and ST’s API typically uses over 90 KB of program memory.
Should I use I²C or SPI?

Both are supported. Pololu notes I²C can run up to 1 MHz and SPI up to 3 MHz; they also observed SPI init issues if the SPI frequency is too low.
Why is this better than “basic” ToF sensors?

VL53L8CX provides multi-zone (4×4/8×8) ranging for depth-map style data, unlike single-zone sensors.
My readings look wrong—what’s the first thing to check?

Check if there’s a protective liner on the sensor package and remove it.

VL53L8CX Time-of-Flight 8×8-Zone Distance Sensor Carrier with Voltage Regulators, 400cm Max

Name: VL53L8CX Time-of-Flight 8×8-Zone Distance Sensor Carrier with Voltage Regulators, 400cm Max
Brand: circuitrocks
SKU: POL3419
Price: 2238.0 PHP
Availability: InStock