How can I reduce the influence of sunlight with the ToF VL53L1X

[BMith]

For my application I use the ToF VL53L1X.

I need to measure the distance from 10cm to 1m in front on a plate surface.

I have done some characterisations on a distance test bench indoor, and I have obtained good results.

For my application I have to use the sensor outside, but I have observed that the value are noisier. And when I make the measurement in front of a sunlighted surface, distance was very bad and noisiness.

So, can you help me to use the better parameters (Timing Budget, ROI, etc...) to improve accurancy of my measurement. In addition, have ou some solution to reduce the influence of the sunlight (optical lens, filter, other methodoly, etc...).

Thank you in advance.

[Dominique LOYER]

It's one of the difficulty of this sensor which has to be Laser safe Class1, The laser fires a limited number of photons and the sun not, even at 940nm. From a software point of view, the SHORT distance mode is the best against ambient light.

Optically, if you can afford a good notch filter at 940nm which can be set above the sensor, you will reduce the sunlight noise but no miracle can be awaited.

Best regards

Dominique