Time-of-flight sensors boast 5-meter detection range

The high-performance direct-time-of-flight (dToF) sensors achieve a 5-meter detection range, while the devices’ multi-lens array significantly widens the field of illumination.

The TMF8820 and TMF 8821 sensors, now in stock at Mouser Electronics, and TMF8828 sensor, available to order, are built using single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array, time-to-digital converter (TDC), and histogram technology. The sensors feature an associated vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), while the high-quality lens on the SPAD supports a dynamically adjustable field of view up to 63°.

The highly versatile sensors enable detection of the target area in multiple zones with extremely precise measurement results.

They can also detect multiple objects per zone, allowing automated robots to gain additional sensory awareness and provide early alerts to potential obstacles. All raw data processing is performed on chip, and the devices report both distance information and confidence values through an I²C interface.

Housed in a single compact modular package, the sensors support a range of demanding applications, including laser detect autofocus for mobile phone cameras, object detection and collision avoidance, presence detection, and light curtain applications for industrial safety designs.