STMicroelectronics' Latest Time-of-Flight Ranging Sensor Brings Multi-Object Detection and Multi-Array Scanning to Mobile App...
21 February 2017 - 1:01AM
- Widely used FlightSense(TM) low-power sensors are ideal for
autofocus, presence-detection, and power-saving functions
- The VL53L1 offers best-ever Time-of-Flight sensor performance,
unlocking exciting new applications and user experiences
- Demonstrations at Mobile World Congress (Barcelona, Feb 27 -
Mar 2) Hall 7A61 will highlight key features
Geneva, February 20, 2017 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE:
STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across
the spectrum of electronics applications, has released its
third-generation laser-ranging sensor based on its industry-leading
FlightSense(TM) technology. The VL53L1 sensor benefits
from new patented silicon- and module-level architectures,
adding for the first time, optical lenses to the module. This
combination boosts core performance while introducing many new
features including multi-target detection, cover-glass crosstalk
immunity at long distance, and programmable multi-zone scanning.
These advances deliver new levels of sensor performance to
robotics, user detection, drones, IoT, and wearable
applications.
With a form factor of 4.9 x 2.5 x 1.56mm, the sensor module
integrates a new lens system, a 940nm VCSEL[1] invisible-light
source, a processing core, and a SPAD[2] photon detector. The
addition of the optical lens system increases the photon detection
rate to boost the module's ranging performance. The embedded
microcontroller manages the complete ranging function and runs the
innovative digital algorithms to minimize host-processing overhead
and system power consumption, maximizing battery life for mobile
applications.
"ST has already shipped hundreds of millions of Time-of-Flight
sensors, which have been designed by OEMs into over 70 smartphone
models as well as many other consumer devices," said Eric Aussedat,
General Manager of ST's Imaging Division. "The third-generation
FlightSense product uses its improved performance to support new
applications, including human-presence detection, while continuing
to improve sensor performance for existing use cases."
The new VL53L1 performs a full measurement operation in as
little as 5ms[3] for high speed applications. For autofocus
applications in smartphones, the sensor detects objects twice as
fast as earlier-generation devices. Moreover, the VL53L1 has
doubled the maximum ranging distance of sensors to beyond 4.5
meters, ensuring it is well matched to the hyper-focal distance of
widely used 21-megapixel camera optics.
The innovative new high-performance design architecture can
detect multiple targets within the scene and also allows
manufacturers to sub-divide the SPAD sensing matrix into
custom-defined zones. These small zones can then provide spatial
ranging information that the customer application can use for
dual-camera computation in stereoscopy as well as simple depth-map
use cases.
In contrast to technology used by other ranging sensors, ST's
new patented algorithms and direct Time-of-Flight architecture are
immune to crosstalk at longer distances making the VL53L1 fully
compatible with a larger selection of cover-glass materials and
design artwork than before.
The I2C-based VL53L1 module comes with a full package of
software drivers and documentation for quick and simple
integration.
The VL53L1 is in production and available now. ST will
demonstrate the VL53L1 in its booth (H7A61) at Mobile World
Congress in Barcelona, Feb 27 - Mar 2.
About STMicroelectronics
ST is a global leader in the semiconductor market serving
customers across the spectrum of sense and power and automotive
products and embedded processing solutions. From energy management
and savings to trust and data security, from healthcare and
wellness to smart consumer devices, in the home, car and office, at
work and at play, ST is found everywhere microelectronics make a
positive and innovative contribution to people's life. By getting
more from technology to get more from life, ST stands for
life.augmented.
In 2016, the Company's net revenues were $6.97 billion. Further
information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
For Press Information Contact:
STMicroelectronics Michael Markowitz Director of Technical Media
Relations +1 781 591 0354 michael.markowitz@st.com
[1] Vertical Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser
[2] Single-Photon Avalanche Diode
[3] Wikipedia claims a honey bee's wing flap in 5
milliseconds.
Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/089b40f0-84c4-4d3d-9eb7-79f666881e48
Attachments:
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d35f53c5-a831-4cb0-99fa-f41f86b4baff
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