QVA ToF sensor is half the size of Melexis’ VGA 3D ToF IC
The MLX75026 is a quarter video graphic array (QVGA) resolution time of flight (ToF) sensor which completes Melexis’ Gen 3 portfolio. It offers the same performance in half the size of the existing MLX75027 VGA 3D ToF camera sensor IC.
The MLX75026 is an AEC-Q100-qualified QVGA ToF sensor and the third generation of QVGA ToF devices from Melexis. It delivers over twice the performance parameters of the previous generation of ToF sensors in terms of quantum efficiency and distance accuracy. It also offers software-compatibility with the MLX75027 Gen 3 VGA ToF sensor. This facilitates the migration between VGA and QVGA resolutions, says Melexis. The new sensor is also half the size and requires only 30 per cent of the computing power needed by the MLX75027 VGA ToF sensor.
The integrated IC is suitable for automotive design, including driver monitoring systems (DMS), hand movement and robust gesture recognition in human machine interfaces (HMIs) and for in-cabin monitoring systems (IMS). It has a robust performance for low contrast and strong sunlight settings, which are usually challenging for conventional 2D image sensors. This makes the MLX75026 particularly suitable for applications where reliability and availability of data is important, including people counting and object/obstacle detection.
The MLX75026 has QVGA (320 x 240 pixels) resolution with a 1/4 inch optical format and supports both 850 and 940nm illumination. The IC is configurable over an I2C interface and provides CSI-2 serial data output.
The small form factor, simple power supply requirements, very low power consumption and low number of external components on the PCB allow the design of compact and cost-effective ToF cameras, says Melexis.
Samples of the MLX75026 are available now, and the evaluation kit in November 2020.
Melexis designs and develops advanced mixed-signal semiconductor sensor and actuator components which address the challenges of integrating sensing, driving and communication into next-generation products and systems that improve safety, raise efficiency, support sustainability and enhance comfort.
Melexis’ automotive semiconductor sensors, leverage the company’s core experience in creating chips for vehicle electronics and expands its portfolio of sensors, driver ICs and wireless devices to meet the needs of smart appliances, home automation, industrial and medical applications. Melexis’ sensing solutions include magnetic sensors, MEMS sensors (pressure, TPMS, infra red), sensor interface ICs, optoelectronic single point and linear array sensors and ToF. The company’s driver IC portfolio incorporates advanced DC and BLDC motor controllers, LED drivers and FET pre-driver ICs. Melexis can also allow components to communicate in a clear and fast way, whether wired (e.g. LIN, SENT) or wireless (RKE, RFID).
Melexis is headquartered in Belgium and employs over 1,500 people in 20 locations worldwide.
