Modern ToF devices support applications such as gesture detection, distance measurement, robotics, industrial automation, and process control, enabling practical solutions such as monitoring the position of an object in production as it travels through a plant on a conveyor belt.
Devices from leading manufacturers, available from Farnell for same-day dispatch, increase range regardless of the color or surface of the item being tracked, maximize potential use in both indoor and outdoor environments, and meet the high-speed, compact size, and low-power demands of industrial IoT applications.
Time-of-flight detection products available from Farnell include:
The Renesas ISL29501 Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor, new to Farnell, is designed to detect objects at distances of less than 2 meters, offering a cost-effective and efficient distance measurement solution. The ISL29501 is an innovative time-of-flight signal processing integrated circuit that provides a complete object detection and distance measurement solution when combined with an external emitter (LED or laser) and a photodiode. Its unique functionality, including its compact size, low power consumption, and superior performance, makes it ideal for use with connected devices in Internet of Things (IoT) applications, as well as for consumer mobile devices, home automation, and the emerging commercial drone market.
The ST Microelectronics VL53L1X ToF Core is a comprehensive evaluation kit that allows anyone to learn, evaluate, and develop their application using the VL53L1X ToF sensor, the latest product based on ST's patented FlightSense™ technology. The VL53L1X is the fastest miniature ToF sensor on the market, with a precise range of up to 4 meters and a fast frequency of up to 50 Hz. This cutting-edge technology enables the measurement of long absolute distances regardless of target reflectance. Instead of estimating distance by measuring the amount of light reflected from an object, the VL53L1X accurately measures the time it takes for light to travel to the nearest object and reflect back to the sensor.
The newly released Broadcom AFBR-S50MV85G evaluation kit includes an NXP FRDM-KL46Z evaluation board and the AFBR-S50MV85G adapter board, providing out-of-the-box connectivity between the sensor and the microcontroller board without soldering. This sensor is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and has been optimized for distances up to 10 m. It was developed with a special focus on industrial sensing and gesture detection applications, which require high speed, a compact size, and very low power consumption, such as human-machine interfaces, robotics, and augmented reality.
Lee Turner, Global Head of Semiconductors and SBC at Farnell, said: “Farnell’s close relationship with ST and Broadcom, and now with Renesas, provides access to the latest time-of-flight sensing technologies. Our technical support team is available 24/7 to help design engineers identify the most appropriate devices for their applications, regardless of design complexity or application requirements.”.
