Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensing technology is enabling the development of industrial automation with many emerging applications. ToF sensors have been successfully integrated into a variety of systems, including collision avoidance for autonomous vehicles, inventory control, robotic arm control, drone navigation, material level monitoring and line monitoring.

Watch this recent webinar [link to https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1671611&tp_key=928a960c31] from Broadcom and learn about the AFBR-S50 ToF-sensor family, how they work, and how they can help solve your sensing challenges.

ToF sensors are rapidly transforming processes in a wide range of sectors with their ability to deliver accurate distance measurement regardless of the light conditions. Unlike traditional methods, ToF sensors excel in all light conditions, providing reliable readings from 1.5cm-100m from outdoors in full daylight (100klux) to indoor “lights-out” manufacturing. Their superior precision, range, and resistance to interference make them ideal for applications ranging from autonomous vehicles to robotic arms. The combination of accuracy, lack of reliance on illumination in a compact and low cost integrated package means that they are solution to be taken seriously.

Understanding ToF Technology

Similar to lidar, ToF sensing use light pulses to measure distance. Broadcom’s AFBR-S50 ToF family of sensors leverages 680nm or 850nm laser diodes and employs “indirect ToF” (CW-ToF or Correlation-ToF) for real-time measurement. By analysing the phase shift of reflected light from a modulated laser beam, the sensor precisely determines the object’s distance.

Small form Factor, Low Weight, and incorporated subcomponents

The low SWaP (size, weight, and power) profile of Broadcom’s ToF sensors makes integration into system design easier. The modules are solid-state with no moving parts, making them highly reliable. Each module combines a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) with a custom application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) providing the laser diode driver electronics; a 32-pixel avalanche photodiode (APD) sensor and full signal processing to provide the distance measurement. All this packed into a compact housing with optimised laser and sensor lenses measuring just 12 x 8 x 8mm³.

Built for Industrial Applications, Ready for Any Challenge

This technology was designed for industrial environments demanding high speeds, excellent accuracy, and small size. Here’s a closer look at the key benefits:

  • Delivers millimetre-level resolution, even in direct sunlight.
  • Superior outdoor performance: Advanced ambient light suppression ensures accurate operation in various outdoor settings.
  • Safety: TÜV certified Class 1 eye-safe design prioritises safety in human environments.
  • Laser diode overdrive not possible with user electronics interfacing only with the module firmware.
  • Easy system integration: Low SWaP makes integration seamless with a small form factor, minimal weight, and low power consumption.
  • Rugged construction enables operation in harsh conditions, from -20°C to +70°C.
  • Versatility: The ToF sensors maintain consistent, reliable distance measurements, working with all surfaces and do not require retro-reflectors..
  • Wide sensing range from 1.5cm to 100m.

Enabling a world of automation

ToF sensors empower various industrial automation tasks and are successfully deployed into systems such as:

  • Collision avoidance in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
  • Cliff, void and overhang detection for enhanced safety and efficiency
  • Precise fill-level sensing for accurate inventory management
  • Efficient conveyor belt monitoring for smooth operation

Ready to Explore the Possibilities?

Watch the prerecorded webinar [link to https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1671611&tp_key=928a960c31] and visit the ToF section on https://www.aptechnologies.co.uk [links to https://www.aptechnologies.co.uk/products/tof-sensors].