Melexis introduces a new QVGA resolution time-of-flight sensor

     Melexis has announced the launch of an AEC-Q100 certified QVGA time-of-flight sensor IC, the MLX75026, which is now in volume production. The MLX75026 is Melexis' third-generation QVGA ToF chip, further expanding this portfolio. In terms of quantum efficiency and range accuracy, the MLX75026 performs twice as well as the previous generation of ToF sensor ics. In addition, the MLX75026 has software compatibility with the third-generation VGA ToF sensor IC MLX75027, allowing easy VGA and QVGA resolution migration. The new sensor IC is half the size but requires only 30% of the computing power required by the VGA ToF sensor IC MLX75027.

     This fully integrated solution is ideal for automotive applications such as driver Monitoring systems (DMS), hand motion and reliable gesture recognition (HMI), and in-vehicle monitoring systems (IMS). Low-contrast and high-sunlight scenarios often pose serious challenges to traditional 2D image sensor ics, and the new sensor ics are extremely robust in this regard. For applications where data reliability and availability are critical, the MLX75026 is ideal. The chip is also targeted for other markets and applications with adequate QVGA resolution, including reliable population counting and object/obstacle detection.

     The MLX75026 has a QVGA (320x240 pixels) resolution in a 1/4 inch optical format and supports both 850nm and 940nm lighting. The IC can be configured via the I2C interface to provide CSI-2 serial data output. With its small size, simple power requirements, very low power consumption, and small number of external components on the PCB, the chip can be used to design compact and affordable ToF cameras.