Automotive | Sensor | Jan 15, 2024

Optical Distance Sensor Modules with a Particularly Large Field of View

With theTMF8820-1A, Rutronik is adding new distance sensor modules from ams OSRAM to its range. The direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) sensors support a detection range of up to 5000 mm with a dynamically adjustable field of view.

The raw data is processed on the chip and the sensors supply the information via an I²C interface. The small size is suitable for applications with narrow mounts. They are available in modular housing with integrated Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) in a tape & reel package at www.rutronik24.com.

The dToF sensors are based on a Single Photon Avalanche Photodiode (SPAD), Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC), and histogram technology. Via a lens on the SPAD, the sensor modules support 3 x 3 zone output data and an extremely wide field of view. A multi-lens array (MLA) inside the housing widens the field of illumination (FoI). The sensors are capable of recognizing and compensating for soiling on the glass. They achieve a detection range of at least 10 mm up to a maximum of 5.000 mm and recognize objects in a very wide field of view with greater accuracy.

All processing of the raw data takes place on the chip. The TMF8820-1A sensors provide distance information via their I²C interface and are 13 C-tolerant for operation on a common I2C / 13 C bus. In standby mode they have a power consumption of around 8 µA, the power consumption during shutdown is 2 µA. The power consumption in 30 Hz operation is 141 mW.

The RoHS-compliant sensors function reliably under demanding operating conditions. They are ideal for measuring distances or detecting objects, for example in access control systems, vacuum robots, or recognizing human presence.

Further features:

Fast VCSEL driver with protection
Direct time-of-flight measurement
Histogram-based architecture
Dynamic cover glass calibration

Application examples:

Mobile phones: Distance measurement for camera autofocus
Computers and communication: Presence detection
Industry: Light curtain
Robotics: object detection and collision avoidance