New QVGA resolution ToF sensor completes a third-generation portfolio

Melexis has introduced the MLX75026, an AEC-Q100 qualified QVGA time-of-flight sensor. The device is the third generation of QVGA ToF devices from the company and joins the wider product portfolio.

The device provides over twice the performances of the previous generation of ToF sensors in terms of quantum efficiency and distance accuracy. Also, the device provides software-compatibility with the MLX75027 Gen 3 VGA ToF sensor, enabling migration between VGA and QVGA resolutions. The new sensor is also half the size and needs only 30% of the computing power required by the MLX75027 VGA ToF sensor.

This fully integrated solution is excellent for automotive use cases like driver monitoring systems, hand movement and robust gesture recognition and for in-cabin monitoring systems. It provides intrinsic robustness concerning scenes with low contrast and strong sunlight, which are often an exacting challenge for conventional 2D image sensors. This makes the device excellent for applications where reliability and availability of data is essential. The device is also aimed at other markets and applications for which QVGA resolution is adequate, including robust people counting and object/obstacle detection.

The device has QVGA (320x240 pixels) resolution with a quarter-inch optical format and supports both 850nm and 940nm illumination. The IC is configurable over an I2C interface and provides CSI-2 serial data output. The small form factor, simple power supply needs, very low power consumption and a low number of external components on the PCB enable the design of compact and cost-effective ToF cameras.