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What is VL53L0X_REG_RESULT_PEAK_SIGNAL_RATE_REF?

WOh.2
Associate II

Range Status value 3 is "Min Range Fail", which is checked by reading from VL53L0X_REG_RESULT_PEAK_SIGNAL_RATE_REF.

What is the Peak Signal Rate Ref.?

I'm finding how to differentiate between a reflective sheet and a high gloss stainless steel like a mirror.

I hope this value helps me.

Best Regards,

Woojin

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Accepted Solutions
John E KVAM
ST Employee

When you take a range, the sensor likes to see 20Million photons per second. If it gets more, it turns off SPADS on the next range. If it gets fewer it adds SPADS.

The SPAD is a Single Photon Avalanche Diode. and there are 256 of them in the array. (However some are partially covered to allow for a finer adjustment.

When you get a range you will return the signal rate. One can use this directly to determine if the range was accurate (Count will be about 20M).

Or one can use this to get a level of actual signal (Take the signal rate and divide it by then number of SPADs used.)

A near target will have a much greater signal strength as the number of photons goes down as a square of the distance.

Given a known target - like if the sensor is expected to see the same thing every time - one might be able use the distance and signal rate to get a bit more accuracy. But that would take a lot of analysis on your part. Maybe you could add a couple of mm on a very strong signal, or maybe subtract a couple on a weak signal.

  • john

If this or any post solves your issue, please mark them as 'Accept as Solution' It really helps. And if you notice anything wrong do not hesitate to 'Report Inappropriate Content'. Someone will review it.

View solution in original post

2 REPLIES 2
John E KVAM
ST Employee

When you take a range, the sensor likes to see 20Million photons per second. If it gets more, it turns off SPADS on the next range. If it gets fewer it adds SPADS.

The SPAD is a Single Photon Avalanche Diode. and there are 256 of them in the array. (However some are partially covered to allow for a finer adjustment.

When you get a range you will return the signal rate. One can use this directly to determine if the range was accurate (Count will be about 20M).

Or one can use this to get a level of actual signal (Take the signal rate and divide it by then number of SPADs used.)

A near target will have a much greater signal strength as the number of photons goes down as a square of the distance.

Given a known target - like if the sensor is expected to see the same thing every time - one might be able use the distance and signal rate to get a bit more accuracy. But that would take a lot of analysis on your part. Maybe you could add a couple of mm on a very strong signal, or maybe subtract a couple on a weak signal.

  • john

If this or any post solves your issue, please mark them as 'Accept as Solution' It really helps. And if you notice anything wrong do not hesitate to 'Report Inappropriate Content'. Someone will review it.

Hi John,

"Or one can use this to get a level of actual signal (Take the signal rate and divide it by then number of SPADs used.)" as you said.

How could I get the number of SPADs used?

And I am a bit confused. What is the signal rate? Is it VL53L0X_REG_RESULT_PEAK_SIGNAL_RATE_REF or SignalRateRtnMegaCps?

Best Regards,

Woojin