Advanced depth sensor for industrial applications

onsemi has released the Hyperlux ID family, the industry's first real-time, indirect time-of-flight (iToF) sensor that provides high-precision long-distance measurements and 3D imaging of fast-moving objects. The family can capture an entire scene and simultaneously process depth measurement in real-time using the company's new proprietary global shutter pixel architecture and onboard storage. This innovative approach addresses the limitations of standard iToF sensors and enables depth sensing up to 30 meters or four times further than standard iToF sensors, all within a smaller form factor. Also, the sensor family is capable of producing monochrome (black and white) images and depth information at the same time. Combining these two outputs allows the sensor to provide a comprehensive view of the environment without requiring separate sensors for visual and depth data.

As a result, the family allows a simplified design, the farthest depth sensing in the industry, operation under dynamic scene conditions and the ability to capture fast-moving objects, which was not possible before.

As automation and robotics become pervasive in industrial markets, obtaining highly accurate depth information quickly and efficiently is critical to improving productivity and safety in these complex environments. However, until this point, iToF sensors have been limited in their use due to minimal range, poor performance in harsh light and an inability to calculate depth on moving objects.

With the ability to deliver precision measurements of moving objects and high-resolution images, the family can help lower errors and downtime and optimise processes in manufacturing systems to lower operational costs. Also, it can improve facial recognition, gesture detection and 3D video conferencing in commercial applications.

The Hyperlux ID sensor family combines global shutter architecture and indirect Time-of-Flight (iToF) technology to deliver precise and rapid depth sensing. Using iToF technology, it senses depth by measuring the phase shift of the reflected light emitted from one or multiple VCSELs. The proprietary pixel architecture enables the sensors to capture and store four different light phases simultaneously in one exposure, instantly capturing the entire scene and enhancing depth measurement accuracy. The global shutter technology also aligns all sensor pixels with the VCSEL to significantly reduce ambient infrared noise from other lighting sources. Integrating onboard depth processing also allows for real-time results without needing costly external memory and a high-performance processor.

"Hyperlux ID not only offers higher resolution and better ambient light suppression than any other iToF sensor available in the market but also impressed us with its integrated processing, which calculates depth, confidence and intensity maps at high speeds. This makes it particularly suitable for capturing moving objects," said Alexander Lewinsky, managing director, IDS Imaging Development Systems. "We were able to very quickly develop and expand our range of 3D cameras with a cost-efficient time-of-flight camera for indoor and outdoor applications for large-volume projects thanks to the close cooperation with onsemi."

The family includes a 1.2MP global shutter and 3.5µm BSI pixel sensors. The AF0130 model also provides onboard processing to simplify integration and lower system costs. For customers who prefer to integrate their own depth algorithms, the AF0131 permits this capability for added flexibility.

The Hyperlux ID family is ideal for various industrial environments, such as Automation and Robotics, Manufacturing and Quality Control, Logistics and Material Handling, Agriculture and Farming, and Access Control Systems.