ams Osram launches global ultra-small multi-zone dToF module

     Osram, the world's leading optical solutions provider, has launched three new dToF modules for multi-zone and multi-target detection, with a wider field of view (FoV) and a wider detection range. dToF sensors are a key technology widely used in industrial and home or commercial automation applications. Industrial and domestic robots require sophisticated systems to detect the environment to ensure safe operation. The multi-zone dToF modules TMF8820, TMF8821 and TMF8828 from ams Osram can divide the detection range into multiple zones to capture more quantitative and better quality information. As a result, the "perception" of autonomous robots is greatly improved to detect potential obstacles early. In addition, the new modules are designed to be compact and easy to integrate, providing system manufacturers with greater design flexibility.

     In addition to applications such as warehouse automation, robots are also taking on more and more tasks in home applications. A special ToF system enables these robots to move unhindered and navigate the environment smoothly. For example, vacuum cleaning robots can recognize surrounding objects and bypass obstacles, thanks to the precise distance measurement enabled by ams Osram's new dToF module. David Smith, Marketing Manager at ams Osram, said: “The TMF8820, TMF8821 and TMF8828 devices enable precise ranging of multi-area and multi-target objects, because the sensors can 'see' the object and make the correct execution command, which is very important for system manufacturers. provided more information about the dynamics of the environment."

     The TMF8820 dToF module can divide the field of view into 3x3 or 9 independent detection areas, the TMF8821 can be divided into 4x4 or 16 independent detection areas, and the TMF8828 can be divided into 8x8 or 64 independent detection areas. With multi-zone detection, the position of objects within the sensor's field of view can be identified. These new devices feature a dynamically adjustable field of view up to 63°, allowing customers to choose between a narrow or wide field of view to meet specific application needs. All three dToF modules have a detection range between 1 cm and 5 meters.

     These modules combine a 940 nm vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), an array of sensitive single-photon avalanche photodiode (SPAD) detectors matched to multi-lens optics, and an on-chip microcontroller for histogram processing in the same device . With a compact size of 2.0 mm x 4.6 mm x 1.4 mm, the module is currently the smallest multi-zone dToF module on the market.