By Martin Sharratt, Managing Director, AP Technologies
Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors are a revolutionary technology for real-world distance measurement. While the fundamental concept relies on the time it takes for light to travel to an object and back, advanced modules like this operate by emitting a modulated infrared signal rather than a simple pulse. By precisely measuring the phase shift of the reflected light compared to the emitted source, the sensor derives the exact time of flight. This sophisticated method delivers fast, accurate, and robust distance data.
Unlike other technologies such as ultrasound (which can be slower and less precise) or simple LED-based infrared sensors (which often only indicate proximity), ToF sensors provide true, millimetre-level distance readings. This makes them an innovative and highly useful solution for a host of applications, including robotics, automation, inventory monitoring, and human-machine interfaces. Their key advantage is the ability to deliver high-speed, reliable measurements, even in challenging environmental conditions.
In this article we introduce a new higher-power, wide-angle addition to Broadcom’s range of ToF modules, the AFBR-S50MX85I. This model features a higher power laser emitting over a wide beam angle together with wide field of view sensor optics to provide 32 precise distance measurements, allowing mapping of the surrounding environment.
The New ToF Sensor Upgrade: Key Takeaways
- The AFBR-S50MX85I Time-of-Flight sensor higher-power, wider-angle is an upgrade to the established AFBR-S50MV85I and an important addition to our specialist sensing portfolio.
- Critical performance benefits include a measurement range of 6m and beyond, a 32-pixel resolution for 3D sensing, and very fast measurement rates up to 3kHz.
- It offers exceptional ambient light suppression, operating effectively in bright sunlight; for example a typical midday brightness of 100kLx.
A New Standard in Medium-Range Sensing
Expanding the high-performance AFBR-S50 family, the Broadcom AFBR-S50MX85I is the new, higher-power, wide-angle variant. Optimised for high speed and accuracy for medium range applications, this sensor is a direct upgrade for systems based on the AFBR-S50MV85I, extending the typical measurement range to 6m and beyond. In some indoor conditions with higher reflectivity, the maximum range can extend to 15m or more.
This extended range, combined with a wide 13° x 6° transmitter beam, makes the AFBR-S50MX85I the obvious choice for applications demanding robust 3D motion detection and distance measurement over a larger area.
Key Features and Engineer-Focused Benefits
Eliminating the compromises often faced in product development, the AFBR-S50MX85I delivers robust outdoor performance while optimising total system costs.
- Multipixel 3D sensing: The sensor features a high-sensitivity 32-pixel avalanche photodiode receiver. This multipixel array allows for 3D motion detection, gesture sensing, and enhanced spatial awareness – a significant advantage over single-point sensors.
- Exceptional sunlight immunity: A common failure point for optical sensors is ambient light. The AFBR-S50MX85I excels in this area, offering best-in-class ambient light suppression. It is specified for typical operation at 100klx (sunlight), with a maximum capability of up to 200klx. This makes it highly reliable for products used outdoors or in bright factory environments.
- High-speed operation: For applications in robotics and automation, real-time data is non-negotiable. The sensor supports very fast measurement rates of up to 3kHz, providing the instant feedback needed for collision avoidance and dynamic control.
- Measures on any surface: The sensor reliably measures against a wide variety of targets, including white, black, coloured, metallic, and retroreflective surfaces.
- Laser Class 1 eye-safe: The module integrates an 850nm laser source and is Laser Class 1 eye-safe ready, simplifying the certification process for your final product.
Designed for Easy Integration
For OEM engineers, the AFBR-S50MX85I is designed for straightforward implementation, helping to reduce system cost and complexity.
It operates from a single 5V supply and has a low typical current consumption of just 33mA. Data is transferred via a standard SPI digital interface.
A significant benefit is that the module operates without its own internal processor, avoiding the cost of unnecessary hardware. Instead, Broadcom provides a lightweight driver library designed for maximum resource efficiency, allowing it to run on your system's existing microcontroller. This software uses fixed-point arithmetic—requiring no floating-point unit (FPU)—which allows you to utilise standard, lower-cost microcontrollers for your design.
Applications in Focus
The sensor’s combination of speed, range, and 3D awareness makes it suitable for a wide range of industries:
- Robotics: Obstacle and void detection.
- Automation and control: Presence sensing and high-speed positioning.
- Human-machine interfaces: Gesture control and 3D sensing.
- Logistics: Inventory monitoring in silos or warehouses.
- Security: Surveillance and augmented reality systems.
Start Your Next Design with AP Technologies
The Broadcom AFBR-S50MX85I provides a powerful, cost-effective, and flexible solution for your next-generation product. Evaluation kits, complete with Windows-based GUI software, are available to help you get started immediately.
Visit the Broadcom indirect ToF product family page, the AFBR-S50MX85I product page, or contact us to discuss your application and gain a technical edge.
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Contact Martin at AP Technologies to discuss your application, |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main difference between this AFBR-S50MX85I and the AFBR-S50MV85I?
A: The AFBR-S50MX85I is the new, higher-power upgrade. It is designed to extend the typical measurement range from 3m (for the 'MV' version) to 6m and beyond.
Q: What is the real-world measuring range?
A: The sensor is specified for 6m and beyond. In good indoor conditions with reflective targets, the range can extend to 15m.
Q: Can I use this sensor outdoors in bright sunlight?
A: Yes. The sensor is designed with exceptional ambient light suppression. It typically operates in sunlight up to 100klx, with a maximum capability of 200klx. Note that maximum range can be reduced in very bright conditions compared to indoor use.
Q: What kind of microcontroller (MCU) is required?
A: The sensor is controlled by an external MCU. Broadcom provides a portable ToF driver software library that runs on 32-bit Arm Cortex-M platforms (such as M0/M0+, M1, M3, and M4). The library is lightweight—meaning it is designed for maximum resource efficiency—and uses fixed-point arithmetic, so no floating-point unit (FPU) is required, allowing you to select a lower-cost host controller.
Q: What is the power supply requirement?
A: The module requires a single 5V power supply. The typical current consumption is 33mA.
Q: Is the sensor eye-safe?
A: Yes. The module integrates an 850nm laser light source and is designed to be Laser Class 1 eye-safe. Users cannot directly interface with the laser driver so optical power is limited to Class 1.
