Broadcom’s AFBR-S50 series is a multipixel 3D distance measurement sensor platform, employing the optical Time-of-Flight (ToF) methodology. It features up to 32 pixels across a total FoV spanning up to 12.4° x 6.2°. The series stands out for its exceptional ambient light suppression capabilities, allowing operation in bright outdoor settings with light levels exceeding 100k Lux. All sensor models are designed for easy drop-in integration, boasting a compact form factor of 12.4 x 7.6 x 7.9mm, and require a single 5V power supply. Communication is facilitated via a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), and the system’s health can be monitored through built-in voltage and temperature sensors, alongside a 33rd Pixel (Reference Pixel) that provides enhanced feedback. This sensor family benefits from an extensive Software Developer’s Kit tailored for ARM Cortex M0+ platforms or higher, encompassing a broad array of configuration and evaluation tools. Depending on the microcontroller used and the number of pixels processed, frame rates can reach up to 3 kHz. For achieving frame rates up to 100Hz, the sensor utilises a dual frequency mode (DFM) to extend the unambiguous measurement range up to 100 meters.
DigiKey at embedded world 2024 with Broadcom
At embedded world 2024, on the DigiKey booth, Kristian McCann speaks with Felix Donhöfner, Field Sales Engineer of Optical Sensors at Broadcom, about Broadcom’s time-of-flight sensors.