First high-resolution module for 3D depth sensing and vision systems

Analog Devices, Inc now offers the industry's first high-resolution, industrial quality, iToF module for 3D depth sensing and vision systems. Allowing cameras and sensors to perceive 3D space in one-megapixel resolution, the new ADTF3175 module provides highly accurate +/-3mm iToF technology offered for machine vision applications covering industrial automation to logistics, healthcare and augmented reality.

The module provides designers with a scalable, fully engineered, calibrated depth system that may be integrated into 3D sensing and vision systems, eradicating the necessity to design specialised optics or address electromechanical integration challenges. This, in turn, hastens time to market by simplifying the complex sensor design process. The robust, high-resolution module is designed to perform in various environmental settings. It leverages state-of-the-art triple junction VCSEL technology from Lumentum Operations LLC to provide sensing across multiple lighting conditions.

"We are thrilled to work with ADI on solutions for the industry's most demanding and highest resolution 3D sensing applications, ranging from extended reality to industrial applications like robotics, intelligent buildings, and logistics systems," said Téa Williams, senior vice president and general manager of 3D Sensing at Lumentum. "Our 10W VCSEL arrays allow ADI to enable more capable sensing and vision systems that can operate under a wide range of lighting conditions and thereby removing environmental obstacles to broader and more rapid machine vision deployment."

The module provides an infrared illumination source with optics, laser diode and driver, and a receiver path with a lens and an optical band-pass filter. The module also incorporates flash memory for calibration and firmware storage, and power regulators to generate local supply voltages. It arrives pre-programmed with several operating modes that are optimised for long and short-range.

"Machine vision needs to make the leap to perceiving smaller, more subtle objects faster in industrial environments that often include harsh conditions and multiple stimuli," said Tony Zarola, senior director for ToF at Analog Devices. "The ADTF3175's unmatched resolution and accuracy allows vision and sensing systems – including industrial robots – to take on more precision-oriented tasks by enabling them to better understand the space they're operating in and ultimately improve productivity. Bringing this to market helps bridge a major gap and accelerates deployment of the next generation of automation solutions and critical logistics systems."

The module will accompany an open-source reference design for implementing the full system, all of the necessary drivers and access to the company's sophisticated depth processing capabilities. It also guides how to achieve Class One eye safety certification for the end product.