Espros Announces New Generation ToF Sensor

Espros announces epc611, a new generation 8×8 pixel ToF sensor. The epc611 is said to establish a new industry standard in terms of photon sensitivity, distance measurement frame rate and versatility for a wide range of applications. The small footprint of 2.6 x 2.6mm and bare die packaged epc611 will be produced in cooperation with TSMC.

Sensitivity: epc611 has a 30% enhanced sensitivity in comparison to previous generation ESPROS TOF sensors due to the latest generation TOF pixel design. Only 7.5 nW per millimeter-square of optical power is needed to measure accurately distance. And this under full sunlight condition.

Frame Rate: The epc611 allows up to 8’000 distance measurements per second.

Versatility: epc611 can be configured to operate in 7 different TOF modes. From an 8×8 imager to binning of all pixels into a single large pixel almost anything is possible. Groups of pixels can be configured to operate at different integration times or at different phase angles. In this way the imager can achieve a wide dynamic distance range or catch fast moving objects without generating motion blur.

«We put our entire experience in this new generation sensor», says Beat De Coi, CEO and founder of ESPROS Photonics. «I built sensors my whole life and know about the quite individual requirements that need to be satisfied. Therefore I wanted this chip to come with all configuration options that we could think of. And now its here!».

The new epc611 TOF sensor is available now. Several pilot customers have epc611 already in their labs. A first distance measurement module is under development and will be released soon.