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The pmd flexx2 is a USB 3 Type-C time-of-flight (ToF) development camera built around Infineon’s IRS2381C REAL3 sensor. It produces a depth image or 3D point cloud plus an infrared image, using 224 × 172 sensing elements—about 38,000 3D pixels—inside a camera roughly the size of a stick of gum. The current product page specifies a 0.1–4 m measurement range, up to 60 3D frames per second, a 56 × 44-degree field of view and Royale SDK support.
What the pmd flexx2 measures
Time-of-flight sensing estimates distance by measuring how long emitted infrared light takes to return from objects. The flexx2 turns those measurements into per-pixel depth data, allowing software to build a 3D point cloud or depth map. It also provides an infrared intensity image that can help identify scene structure independently of the depth values.
pmd lists edge detection, object recognition, distance measurement, surface detection and environmental scanning as application areas. Its broader product material also mentions autonomous navigation, environmental mapping, feature tracking, gesture control, night vision and obstacle avoidance. These are vendor-stated uses: a camera supplies measurements, while a complete navigation, recognition or control system still requires algorithms, calibration and application software.
Key pmd flexx2 specifications
| Specification | Published value |
|---|---|
| Sensor | Infineon IRS2381C REAL3 ToF sensor |
| Depth resolution | 224 × 172 pixels, described by pmd as 38,000 3D pixels |
| Field of view | 56 × 44 degrees |
| Frame rate | Up to 60 3D frames per second |
| Current stated measurement range | 0.1–4 m on the current product page |
| Earlier stated measurement range | 0.1–7 m in pmd’s 2023 data brief; the document does not explain the difference |
| Illumination | 940 nm, 1 W VCSEL |
| Interface | USB 3 Type-C |
| Camera dimensions | 71.9 × 19.2 × 10.6 mm on the current product page |
| Camera-only weight | 13 g, according to the 2023 data brief |
| Power consumption | 570–680 mW, USB-compliant, according to the 2023 data brief |
| Operating temperature | 0–70 °C, according to the 2023 data brief |
| Preset operating modes | Nine, according to the 2023 data brief |
The current dimensions come from pmd’s product page at pmd’s flexx2 product page. The 2023 data brief and the January 2022 launch announcement contain slightly different dimensional figures, so those older values should not replace the current specification.
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- ❃❃the VL53L1X uses ST's latest generation ToF technology which allows absolute distance measurement whatever the target color and reflectance. It is also possible to program the size of the ROI on the receiving array, allowing the sensor FoV to be reduced.
- ❃❃The VL53L1X is a state-of-the-art, Time-of-Flight (ToF), laser-ranging sensor, enhancing the ST FlightSense product family. It is the fast miniature ToF sensor on the market with accurate ranging up to 4 m and fast ranging frequency up to 50 Hz Unlike conventional IR sensors
- ❃❃Voltage: 3.3-5v；Fast and accurate long distance ranging, and distance measurement up to 400 cm, ranging frequency up to 50 Hz.
- ❃❃I2C Communication Interface, Control the module on/off via IO pins. Compatible for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, AVR, MSP430,STM32 ,etc .Onboard level conversion circuit, compatible with 3.3V to 5V working levels
- ❃❃ you will get 2PCS VL53L1X Laser Ranging Flight Time Sensor Module Distance 400cm Measurement Extension Board Module
Flexx2 measurement range: read the document and mode carefully
There are two official range figures. The current product page says 0.1–4 m, while pmd’s 2023 data brief says 0.1–7 m. Neither source explains whether the change reflects a mode, firmware, optical configuration or a revised specification. For a new design, use 0.1–4 m as the current published figure and verify the required range with pmd or a distributor before committing to a 7 m application. The 7 m value should be cited only as the 2023 brief’s figure, not as an unconditional operating guarantee.
Accuracy and sunlight behavior
Mode-dependent accuracy
pmd specifies accuracy of ≤1% of distance from 0.5–4 m at 5 frames per second. A faster mode is listed at ≤2% from 0.1–1 m at 45 frames per second. Those percentages are tied to their stated distance and frame-rate conditions; they are not a single accuracy rating for every scene or mode.
Rank #2
- The VL53L0X time-of-flight range sensor is a cutting-edge laser range module. It is a fully integrated device featuring an embedded infrared laser that is safe for human eyes, advanced filters, and ultra-high-speed photon detection arrays, all designed to enhance range, speed and accuracy （Ranging distance within 2M, ranging accuracy: ±5% (high-speed mode), ±3% (high-precision mode)）
- The VL53L0X ToF laser ranging module is small, offering precise distance measurement regardless of target reflectance, unlike traditional technologies. It can measure absolute distances up to 2 meters, establishing a new standard in ranging performance and enabling numerous new applications
- The VL53L0X features a state-of-the-art SPAD (Single Photon Avalanche Diodes) array and incorporates patented second-generation flight sensing technology
- The VL53L0X features a 940nm VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) that is completely invisible to the human eye. Along with internal infrared filters, this design allows for extended range, increased resistance to ambient light, and improved durability against optical cross-talk from cover glass
- The VL53L0X's sensing capability enables a variety of functions, such as gesture and proximity detection for innovative user interfaces, obstacle detection and collision avoidance for floor sweepers and service robots, user presence detection or power control for home appliances and laptops, as well as applications in drones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices
Outdoor illumination
The 2023 data brief describes tolerance of 100,000 lux sunlight, with approximately 10% maximum-range loss compared with indoor operation. This is a manufacturer specification, not an independent outdoor test. Reflective, very dark, transparent or highly textured surfaces can still affect usable depth quality, so validate the exact materials and lighting in the target installation.
How developers use the data
- Connect the kit. Attach the encased camera to a host through USB 3 Type-C. Confirm that the host supplies a USB 3 connection and adequate power.
- Install the software stack. pmd lists Royale SDK/API support. The product material does not state a current SDK release number, so obtain the compatible package from pmd rather than assuming a particular version.
- Select an operating mode. Choose the mode that matches the application’s range, frame-rate and precision requirements. The data brief lists nine predefined modes.
- Read depth and infrared frames. Applications can consume the depth image or convert it into a 3D point cloud, while using the infrared image for additional segmentation or diagnostics.
- Integrate with a framework. pmd lists support for OpenCV, Matlab and ROS 1/2. These integrations let developers feed depth into computer-vision pipelines, robotic nodes or numerical analysis tools.
- Calibrate and validate. Check coordinate alignment, working distance, surface reflectivity and lighting with the actual enclosure and host. Do not infer application-level recognition or navigation performance from the camera specification alone.
Why the gumstick-size development kit matters
The current camera body is 71.9 × 19.2 × 10.6 mm and the 2023 brief lists 13 g camera-only weight. That small, light package can be mounted close to a robot joint, embedded in a prototype enclosure or positioned where a larger depth camera would obstruct the scene. USB 3 Type-C also keeps the prototype connection simple and provides a widely available host interface.
Rank #3
- TOF400C VL53L1X 4M Laser Ranging Sensor Module TOF Time-of-Flight Distance IIC Output for Arduino Better Than TOF050C TOF200C
- TOF400C VL53L1X 4M Laser Ranging Sensor Module Operating Voltage：3.0V-5V(DC)
- TOF400C VL53L1X 4M Laser Ranging Sensor Module Operating temperature：-20°C-70°C。Operating current：40mA (Max).
- TOF400C VL53L1X 4M Laser Ranging Sensor Module with Provide physical protection for the module, including preventing dust from entering。
- TOF400C VL53L1X 4M Laser Ranging Sensor Module Development routines/software：Arduino Demo / STM32 Demo
pmd’s 2022 announcement described both an encased development kit and an uncased OEM module. They are not interchangeable purchasing descriptions: the dev kit is intended for evaluation and software development, while an OEM module is for a product integration that may require its own mechanical, thermal and electrical design.
What the flexx2 can—and cannot—establish by itself
- Strong fit: compact depth capture, near-field measurement, obstacle or surface geometry, robotic perception experiments and point-cloud prototyping.
- Additional engineering required: object recognition, autonomous navigation, mapping, gesture interpretation and safety decisions. These functions depend on software, calibration, scene assumptions and system-level sensors.
- Scene qualification required: test dark, shiny, transparent and distant targets, plus the lighting conditions in which the product will operate.
- Noise analysis: a 2024 paper examines noise modeling for the PMD Flexx2 in robotics, making the camera relevant to simulation and sim-to-real studies; it does not establish a universal accuracy ranking against competing cameras. See the 2024 noise-analysis paper.
Ordering and product terminology
pmd says the flexx2 can be ordered through distributors and identifies Automation24 as a distribution partner on its 3D-sensing family page. Larger-volume or special-requirement buyers can request a direct quote. Current stock, regional delivery, pricing and the exact contents of a particular listing can change, so confirm those details before ordering through pmd’s 3D Sensing Family information.
Rank #4
- The VL53L0X time-of-flight ranging sensor is new--generation laser ranging module, with a fully integrated sensor and built-in embedded infrared, eye-safe laser
- Advantage: A time-of-flight ranging system integrated into a compact module
- Accuracy: Range from ±3% at best to over ±10% in less optimal conditions
- Maximum Sensoring Distance: 2m
- Working Voltage: 2.6V - 5.5V
For product searches, use the phrase “pmd flexx2 3D Camera Development Kit.” Confirm that a listing is the encased development kit rather than the uncased OEM module.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Background and source documents
pmd introduced the flexx2 in January 2022 as a successor to the discontinued PicoFlexx. In that announcement, pmdtechnologies Vice President Mitchell Reifel said, “The flexx2 builds on the success of the now-discontinued ‘PicoFlexx’, that already brought pmd’s 3D depth-sensing technology to the hands of thousands of developers worldwide.” That “thousands” figure is a company statement, not an independently verified adoption statistic. The original announcement is available as a pmd PDF; the detailed 2023 specifications are in pmd’s flexx2 data brief.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The VL53L0X time-of-flight (ToF) sensor represents a breakthrough in laser distance measurement technology. This compact, fully-integrated solution combines an eye-safe infrared laser emitter with precision optical filters and a high-speed SPAD (Single Photon Avalanche Diode) array, delivering industry-leading performance in measurement range, response speed, and accuracy (Measurement range: 0-2m; Accuracy: ±5% in high-speed mode, ±3% in high-accuracy mode)
- The VL53L0X ToF laser ranging module combines compact form factor with exceptional performance, providing accurate distance measurement unaffected by target surface properties - a significant improvement over traditional ranging solutions. With a maximum measurement range of 2 meters, this module establishes new industry standards for precision ranging while enabling breakthrough applications across multiple domains
- The VL53L0X incorporates an industry-leading SPAD (Single Photon Avalanche Diode) array and utilizes proprietary second-generation ToF (Time-of-Flight) measurement technology
- The VL53L0X integrates an eye-safe 940nm VCSEL (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser) with invisible spectrum emission. Its system architecture, featuring built-in IR filters, delivers exceptional performance including extended detection range, improved ambient light rejection, and excellent cover glass crosstalk immunity
- The VL53L0X's high-precision ToF sensing technology unlocks multiple application scenarios: intuitive gesture recognition and proximity sensing for enhanced HMI (Human-Machine Interface); reliable obstacle avoidance for robotic cleaners and service robots; intelligent presence detection and power-saving control in smart home devices and PCs; plus advanced navigation support for drones and seamless IoT system integration
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