VL53L0X, 2mA current consumption when GPIO1 - INTERRUPT is configured

[j i]

Posted on November 30, 2017 at 16:39

Hi.

We have integrated a VL53L0X TOF sensor, and we are getting very surprised when measuring current consumption.

In the datasheet there is no mention to current consumption when GPIO1 is configured to interrupt.

We are using the sensor in Continuous Timed Ranging, and we want to be interrupted in the CPU when a threshold is passed.

We have tested the device in CONTINUOUS TIMED and with INTERRUPT_OFF, and the current consumption is OK: just few uA when not measuring (inter-measurement period), and 15-20mA during measurement (about 33ms).

But when we configure INTERRUPT to any value different from OFF, then the inter-measurement current consumption raises up to 2mA approx. Nothing is stated in ST application notes or datahseets about this.

Pins and pull-ups are configured as suggested in the datasheet.

Can someone from ST confirm whether this 2mA consumption is OK or not for the interrupt?

Thanks!

#vl53l0x-x-nucleo-53l0a1 #vl53l0x #proximity-sensor

[John E KVAM]

Posted on January 02, 2018 at 17:18

I think you have uncovered an unfortunate 'feature'. If you set a threshold for less that 255mm, you will get the correct behavior. If the threshold is greater than 255 a software patch is required, and unfortunately the patch means that we cannot put the chip into low power mode.

You can continue development knowing that the situation is fixed in the new chip - due out Mid March (pin compatible).

Or you can used a timed measurement without thresholds an wake up at the end of every measurement to read the result.

- john