The technique known as Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensing is becoming a realistic commercial option for OEM companies, opening the door to a multitude of innovative applications. Broadcom's ToF sensors have now been successfully integrated into diverse systems such as collision/overhang/void avoidance for autonomous vehicles, robotic arm control, drone navigation, inventory management, material level monitoring, and production line supervision.
Learn more about ToF sensing technology and applications in this recent webinar. Discover how Broadcom's AFBR-S50 ToF sensors operate and how they can address your specific sensing challenges.
ToF sensors have started to prove their transformative potential by delivering accurate distance measurements regardless of the light conditions. Unlike conventional methods, ToF sensors provide reliable readings from 1.5 cm to 100 m, whether in bright daylight (100 klux) or the complete darkness of ‘lights-out manufacturing’. Their precision, range, and immunity to interference means they are exceptionally well-suited for applications from autonomous vehicles to robotic systems. The combination of accuracy, independence from external lighting, compact size, and affordability makes them a compelling solution.
Understanding ToF Technology
As with lidar, ToF sensors use light pulses to measure distances. Broadcom's AFBR-S50 ToF sensors utilise either 680nm or 850nm laser diodes and employ "indirect ToF" (CW-ToF or Correlation-ToF) for real-time measurements. By analysing the phase shift of reflected light from a modulated laser beam, these sensors accurately measure the distance to an object.
Compact, Lightweight, and Integrated Design
Integration into system design is made easier by the lightweight and compact design of the ToF sensors coupled with a low power input requirement. The solid-state nature of the modules only adds to product reliability. Each module incorporates a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), a custom application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for the laser diode driver, a 32-pixel avalanche photodiode (APD) sensor, sensor lenses. All this and within a compact housing measuring just 12 x 8 x 8mm³.
Engineered for Industrial Environments, Ready for Any Challenge
Designed to meet the demands of industrial environments, this technology offers exceptional speed, accuracy, and compact size. Key benefits include:
- Millimetre-level resolution, even in direct sunlight.
- Superior outdoor performance, thanks to advanced ambient light suppression.
- Safety-certified with TÜV Class 1 eye-safe design.
- Integrated design prevents laser diode overdrive, ensuring safe operation.
- Low barrier to system integration due to small form factor, low weight and low power consumption.
- Rugged construction allows for performance in harsh conditions from -20°C to +70°C.
- Versatility and consistency with consistently reliable distance measurements regardless of the surface material and without the need for retro-reflectors.
- Wide sensing range from 1 cm to 100 m.
Driving Advances in Industrial Automation
ToF sensors have begun to empower a new wave of industrial automation, finding success in applications such as:
- Collision avoidance in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs).
- Detection of cliffs, voids, and overhangs for enhanced safety and efficiency.
- Precise fill-level sensing for effective inventory management.
- Efficient monitoring of conveyor belts to minimise disruption.
Ready to find out more about what ToF sensing could offer?
Watch the prerecorded webinar and visit the ToF section on AP Technologies’ website.