What to change in order to range under high ambient light conditions (VL6180x)

[Jhern.1]

Hello,

I am trying some settings on VL6180x for avoing "Max_Signal_To_Noise_Ratio" when ranginf under sunlight conditions.

I have tried to disable DMAX (#define DEF_DMAX_ENABLE     0), but still I get the MAX snr errror.

I have been trying to set other limit to SNR, Which I managed to do it, But no succes when ranging at sunlight.

I do not need high accuracy.

Regards, Ramon.

[Anne BIGOT]

Hello Ramon,

You can try to reduce the noise by setting the readout__averaging_sample_period register

readout__averaging_sample_period: The internal readout averaging sample period can be

adjusted from 0 to 255. Increasing the sampling period decreases noise but also reduces the

effective max convergence time and increases power consumption:

You can find more details in the datasheet of the VL6180X here

Anne

[Jhern.1]

Hello Anne,

Thanks for answering.

Note the error is given due to high ambient light.

Do you think by using longer sampling periods I can minimize the effect of the light?

Regards, Ramon.

[Anne BIGOT]

Hello,

Unless you really want to use the VL6180X, it is better to switch to the VL53L4CD outdoor. Please buy the evaluation kit and try it : P-NUCLEO-53L4A1.

Anne

[Jhern.1]

Hi,

Thanks for your answer,

I see you can range up to 130cm with this part. I just need to range up to 15 cm. I have a solid obstacle at 15 cm and I need to detect objects between sensor and obstacle.

Do you think this part is ok for ranging at 15 cm maximum?

Regards, Ramon.

[Anne BIGOT]

Hello,

The VL53L4CD is a close distance sensor so it is OK for ranging at 15 cm.
Regards