We are using the VL53L0X for distance measurements. A use case is to measure the distance of a black box with high reflectivity. There we have a measurement problems when the sensor is orthogonal to the object.

[PVett.2]

There I have the issue that I measure a wrong distance of 0 mm (instead of 40 mm). As soon as I tilt the device (<5°) it measures reasonable values. So then it is fine.

I also tried it with the evalkit. There I see the same behaviour.

Is there a way to adjust settings of the device (i.e. in FW) to get reasonable values in the orthogonal state. What could be the reason that it is measuring the value 0?

[John E KVAM]

There are two types of surfaces - Specular (or Mirror-like) and Lambertian (not mirror-like or "matte").

If you surface is Specular, and the photons hit it at a sharp angle they will simply bounce away.

And the sensor will never get a range unless some photons hit the surface and reflect to the sensor.

There is a really handy web site:

Ray tracing simulator: https://ricktu288.github.io/ray-optics/simulator/

This site is easy and fun to use.

Draw your use case, and it will show you where the photons go.

If you have a matte finish then have a look at the signal strength coming back.

Try to figure out why so few photons are returning.

That's the key.

Good luck,

• john