Elmos launches new 3D ToF imager for object detection and gesture recognition

According to foreign media reports, semiconductor and sensor solution supplier Elmos has launched a new 3D ToF (time of flight) CMOS imager E527.31 for automotive interior and exterior applications. This 3D imager has passed the automotive standard AEC-Q 100 certification and has the characteristics of optimizing power consumption. In addition to the normal working mode, it also has a sleep mode, in which power consumption is minimized.

(Photo source: Elmos official website)

The E527.313 imager is designed for human-machine interface (HMI) applications and can realize vehicle near-field target detection and gesture detection inside and outside the vehicle. Typical interior application scenarios of the E527.313 include gesture-controlled in-vehicle infotainment systems or in-vehicle occupancy monitoring. It is also expected to be used for trunk and door gesture control. If the imager is integrated into the B-pillar, it can also avoid collisions with moving and stationary obstacles such as cyclists, curbs or markers. In addition, the imager can also be used in autonomous robots to accurately detect steps or objects and generate real 3D images of the surrounding environment.

The E527.31 has an active pixel of 32x32 and is packaged in a standard QFN44L7 package. The imager is equipped with an 850nm optical bandpass filter, which can be specially adjusted by the customer in the range of 850nm to 940nm. The device controls the light source to be used (LED, VCSEL, laser) to optimize the light pulses and thus the object illumination. Its integrated temperature sensor can accurately compensate for the distance offset caused by temperature changes, while an external controller and software algorithms can read the distance information from the digital data of the sensor. Moreover, the 3D ToF imager can still maintain excellent performance in all lighting conditions and adverse weather conditions.