STMicroelectronics announces an all-in-one, direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) 3D LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) module with market-leading 2.3k resolution.
Also, ST pinned a design win by showcasing the world’s smallest 500k-pixel indirect Time-of-Flight (iToF) sensor.
“ToF sensors, which can accurately measure the distance to objects in a scene, are driving exciting new capabilities in smart devices, home appliances, and industrial automation. We have already delivered two billion sensors into the market and continue to extend our unique portfolio, which covers all types from the simplest single-zone devices up to our latest high-resolution 3D indirect and direct ToF sensors,” said Alexandre Balmefrezol, General Manager, Imaging Sub-Group at STMicroelectronics. “Our vertically integrated supply chain, covering everything from pixel and metasurface lens technology and design to fabrication, with geographically diversified in-house high-volume module assembly plants, lets us deliver extremely innovative, highly integrated, and high-performing sensors.”
The VL53L9 direct ToF 3D LiDAR device by ST flaunts a resolution of up to 2.3k zones. Integrating a dual scan flood illumination, unique in the market, the LiDAR can detect small objects and edges and captures both 2D infrared (IR) images and 3D depth map information.
The ToF 3D LiDAR device comes as a ready-to-use low power module with its on-chip dToF processing.
The ToF 3D LiDAR requires no extra external components or calibration. Additionally, the LiDAR delivers state-of-the-art ranging performance from 5cm to 10 meters.
The LiDAR can detect small objects and edges and captures both 2D infrared (IR) images and 3D depth map information.
The VL53L9 Direct ToF 3D LiDAR Device Features:
- Elevates camera-assist performance, supporting macro up to telephoto photography.
- Features such as laser autofocus, bokeh, and cinematic effects for still and video at 60fps (frame per second).
- Virtual reality (VR) systems can leverage accurate depth and 2D images.
- Enhance spatial mapping for more immersive gaming and other VR experiences like virtual visits or 3D avatars.
- Detect the edges of small objects at short and ultra-long ranges makes it suitable for applications such as virtual reality or SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping).
- Also, ST also rolled out the news of its new launch of VD55H1 ToF Sensor, including the start of volume production and an early design win with Lanxin Technology.
MRDVS is already known to have chosen the VD55H1 to add high-accuracy depth-sensing to its 3D cameras.
The high-performance, ultra-compact cameras with ST’s sensor inside combine the power of 3D vision and edge AI, delivering intelligent obstacle avoidance and high-precision docking in mobile robots.
Key Specs and Features of VD55H1 ToF Sensor
- It packs 672 x 804 sensing pixels in a tiny chip size.
- Can accurately map a three-dimensional surface by measuring distance to over half a million points.
- ST’s stacked-wafer manufacturing process with backside illumination enables unparalleled resolution with smaller die size and lower power consumption than alternative iToF sensors in the market.
- These characteristics give the sensors their excellent credentials in 3D content creation for webcams and VR applications including virtual avatars, hand modeling and gaming.
Key Applications of VD55H1 ToF Sensor
In addition to machine vision, the VD55H1 ToF Sensor is ideal for 3D webcams and PC applications, 3D reconstruction for VR headsets, people counting and activity detection in smart homes and buildings.
Availability
First samples of the VL53L9 are already available for lead customers and mass production is scheduled for early 2025. The VD55H1 is in full production now.
Pricing and ST at MWC 2024
Pricing information and sample requests are available at local ST sales offices. ST will showcase a range of ToF sensors including the VL53L9 and explain more about its technologies at Mobile World Congress 2024, in Barcelona, February 26-29, at booth 7A61.
For Further Info: www.st.com