VL53L7CX Latched INT feature request

[TPhil.3]

Greetings - I would like to request consideration for a Latched INT option similar to that of the STHS34PF80 sensor (Register: CTRL3 22h). I typically utilize the VL53 with Min/Max threshold values and would like the option to have the INT signal latched when the object is within threshold values.

Thank you for the consideration,

Terry

[John_Kvam · Accepted solution]

TPhil.3 - what a great idea!

But ST is not going to do it. At least on the current chips. 

When I came up with what I thought were great ideas I was told that to make any changes cost millions of dollars. And then you have to manage a new part number and that's maybe another few million dollars. But the biggest reason for not making changes is all the chip designers are busy making the next generation of sensors, and no one wants to go back and change an existing part. It just slows down the release of the next great thing. 

It took me years of working at ST to understand the corporate point of view. But you can see their point. ST might make some money investing in your idea, but it won't be anywhere near the amount of money to be made on the next great thing. 

I'm hopeful someone will see your latch idea and add it to the features on some future product, but it would require some really big customer (think cellphones or PC makers) to want it. After all, they buy the vast majority of the sensors. 

-John (I'm a Retired ST employee. So this is just my opinion - and I'll defer to anyone else. )