ADI unveils iToF module for 3D sensing and vision systems

Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) has claimed the industry’s first high-resolution, industrial-quality, indirect time-of-flight (iToF) module for 3D depth sensing and vision systems. The ADTF3175 module enables cameras and sensors to perceive 3D space in one-megapixel (MP) resolution. It offers accurate +/-3-mm iToF technology available for machine-vision applications, including industrial automation, logistics, health care, and augmented reality.

(Source: Analog Devices, Inc.)

The ADTF3175 is a scalable and calibrated depth system that can be integrated into 3D sensing and vision systems. This eliminates the need to design specialized optics or address electromechanical integration challenges, resulting in faster time to market by simplifying the sensor design process, said Analog Devices.

The 1024 × 1024 ToF imager with 3.5 µm × 3.5 µm pixels provides a 75 × 75 degree field of  view (FOV) and a depth range of 0.4 m to 4 m. It supports 4-lane MIPI CSI-2 Tx interface (1.5 Gbits/s per lane) for image data output and 4-sire SPI and 2-wire I²C serial interfaces for programming and operation control.

The module can operate in a range of environmental settings and leverages triple junction vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) technology from Lumentum Operations LLC, which enables sensing in a wide range of lighting conditions, said the company.

Key features include an infrared illumination source with optics, laser diode and driver, and a receiver path with a lens and an optical band-pass filter. The module also includes flash memory for calibration, firmware storage, and power regulators to generate local supply voltages. It comes pre-programmed with several operating modes for long and short range.

ADTF3175 iToF module functional block diagram. Click for a larger image. (Source: Analog Devices, Inc.)

“Machine vision needs to make the leap to perceiving smaller, more subtle objects faster in industrial environments that often include harsh conditions and multiple stimuli,” said Tony Zarola, senior director for ToF at Analog Devices, in a statement. “The ADTF3175’s unmatched resolution and accuracy allows vision and sensing systems – including industrial robots – to take on more precision-oriented tasks by enabling them to better understand the space they’re operating in and ultimately improve productivity.”

The ADTF3175, housed in a 42 × 31 × 15.1 module, is priced at $197 in quantities of 1,000. An open-source reference design is available. Analog Devices is exhibiting at Sensors Converge 2022 in Booth 518.