The ASIL-compliant MLX75027RTI VGA-resolution ToF sensor is designed for integration into safety-critical systems requiring ASIL or SIL certification. It features a physical spatial resolution of 307 kpixels. Key applications include dynamic airbag suppression (preventing unnecessary deployment), driver attention monitoring, and short-range outdoor LiDAR. It can also be used to provide safety perimeters for industrial cameras, support robot motion control, and enable more advanced machine vision.
The MLX75027RTI is based on Back-Illuminated Imaging (BSI) technology. It combines Melexis' automotive expertise with Sony's patented DepthSense® ToF pixel. The MLX75027RTI delivers an exceptional depth capture rate of 135 frames per second.
This sensor package is significantly smaller than our current generation of devices, resulting in a 50% size reduction. Consequently, more compact imaging systems can be developed. Optimizing the main beam angle of the integrated Micro Lens Array (MLA) simplifies the overall optical system. The new MLX75027 is available in automotive and industrial variants. The MLX75027RTI is designed for automotive use and features a temperature range of -40°C to +105°C, while the MLX75027STI is for industrial applications with a temperature range of -20°C to +85°C. Another important feature of the MLX75027 family is its proven robustness to sunlight, meaning that signal quality is unaffected by the external environment.
To help engineers design and implement their ASIL/SIL systems, Melexis offers specific safety integration guidelines.
“The new NCAP regulations will drive the use of cabin monitoring for safety applications. It will also become increasingly essential in industrial and consumer market applications,” says Gualtiero Bagnuoli, Marketing Director for Optical Sensors at Melexis. “Our family of time-of-flight sensors is already widely used. Now, with the introduction of the MLX75027RTI, we are supporting functional safety integrations at the system level.”
