ON Semiconductor introduces a single point direct time of Flight Lidar solution enabled by SiPM technology

     Applications for light detection and ranging, or LiDAR, are growing in all fields, including robotics and industrial proximity sensing that mandates millimeter range accuracy. It is usually based on the dToF method and measures the time it takes for a pulse of light, usually in the near-infrared (NIR) wavelength range, to travel to and from an object.

     Although the principle is simple, its application can present challenges, such as environmental factors such as strong sunlight around. In order to accurately determine the range, the receiver needs to capture as many signals as possible. In terms of response time and sensitivity, traditional photodiodes suffer in this regard. The silicon photomultiplier tube (SiPM) sensor developed by ON Semiconductor overcomes these shortcomings by providing faster response times and high detection efficiency. The reference platform uses ON Semiconductor's second-generation SiPM sensor RB series to deliver higher performance in both the red and NIR ranges.

     The SiPM dToF LiDAR platform developed by On Semiconductor provides a complete solution for low-cost, single-point lidar that original equipment manufacturers (Oems) can flexibly adapt and put into production to create industrial ranging applications. It includes NIR laser diodes, SiPM sensors, and optics, as well as the digital processing required to convert the detected signal into elapsed time, and elapsed time into distance.

     To speed time to market for customers, ON Semiconductor provides all design data for the reference platform, including schematics, bills of material (BoM), gerber files and PCB design documents. Customers also have access to a PC-based Graphical User interface (GUI) that provides graphs of measurement results over time. The generated histograms further demonstrate the system's capabilities in ranging, collision detection, and 3D mapping applications.

     Wiren Perera, Head of iot at On Semiconductor, said: "Using dToF Lidar for ranging addresses a critical need for many applications, from autonomous navigation to mapping to surveillance. However, developing DTOF-based liDAR systems can be challenging. Our platform clearly demonstrates the utility of this leading technology. With a proven design, customers can move faster to proof of concept and get their products to market quickly."

     The SiPM dToF LiDAR platform can detect objects from a distance of 10 cm to 23 meters. Provide an out-of-the-box experience using the provided GUI so that engineers can start evaluating the technology immediately. The design has received Class I certification from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and complies with the IEC/EN 60825-1:2014 and 21 CFR 1040.10/1040.11 laser safety standards.