Melexis has added the MLX75027RTI VGA resolution ToF sensor to its ToF series, which is ASIL capable and suitable for safety critical systems requiring ASIL or SIL certification. The device has a physical spatial resolution of 307kpixel. The main use cases for this sensor are dynamic airbag suppression (so that airbags do not deploy unnecessarily), driver attention monitoring, and close-range exterior lidar.
It can also be used to provide safety boundaries for industrial cameras, support the control of robot motion and enable more advanced machine vision.
The key to the MLX75027RTI is back-illuminated (BSI) imaging technology. It combines Melexis automotive expertise with Sony’s proprietary DepthSense® ToF pixels. The MLX75027RTI delivers 135 depth frames per second.
The sensor package is much smaller than the current generation of devices, with a 50% reduction in size. Therefore, more compact imaging systems can be developed. The optimization of the chief ray angle of the integrated MLA (microlens array) simplifies the entire optical system.
The new MLX75027 is available in automotive and industrial versions.
The MLX75027RTI is designed for automotive applications with a temperature range of -40°C to +105°C, while the MLX75027STI is suitable for industrial applications with a temperature range of -20°C to +85°C.
Another feature of the MLX75027 series is its proven sunlight robustness, which means that the signal quality is not affected by the external environment.
To help engineers design and implement their ASIL/SIL systems, Melexis provides a dedicated safety integration guide.
Emerging NCAP regulations will boost the use of in-vehicle monitoring in safety applications. It will also become increasingly important in industrial and mass market applications. Melexis’ range of time-of-flight sensors are already in widespread use.