VL53L1 library Usage

Official Hardware Nicla Family Nicla Vision
1

Hi everyone,

I am currently working with an Arduino Nicla Vision board and integrating a VL53L1 ToF sensor.

While reviewing the official documentation and user manuals from ST, I found the ready-to-use API implementation and the Ultra Lite Driver (ULD). My initial plan was to use the ST-provided APIs, but I am also considering developing a custom driver based on the datasheet and register documentation to gain better control and understanding of the sensor.

For those who have worked with the VL53L1, what would be the recommended approach?

  • Continue with ST's provided API/ULD and build the application on top of it?
  • Develop a custom driver using the datasheet and register map?
  • Use a hybrid approach where the ST driver is used initially and optimized or customized later?

My priorities are:

  • Reliability and measurement accuracy
  • Good understanding of the sensor internals
  • Long-term maintainability
  • Efficient integration with the Nicla Vision platform

I would appreciate any insights based on practical experience, including any challenges you faced with the ST-provided APIs.

Thanks in advance!

2

If it were me, I would probably start off trying it out, probably start off trying the
Adafruit library: GitHub - adafruit/Adafruit_VL53L1X: Arduino library to support the VL53L1X Time-of-Flight and gesture-detection sensor · GitHub