Sony Launches High-Speed SPAD Sensor for LiDAR at $10-$25M
Sony Semiconductor Solutions has announced the release of the IMX479 stacked SPAD depth sensor, suitable for automotive LiDAR systems. This will improve the speed and resolution of distance measurement for autonomous driving and ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems).
This is a major leap forward in enabling safer and smarter future mobility. The whole innovation relies on Sony’s method of direct Time of Flight (dToF). The IMX479 measures the time it takes for light to refract back to the sensor from an object in order to determine the distance. Additionally, the system can do image capture at about 20 every second which is the highest speed a SPAD sensor can manage, according to the company, with a 3×3 SPAD pixel grid.
The IMX479 also has 520 dToF pixels at 10-micrometre pixel size which allows one to create 3D mapping detail in complicated driving situations, and many other capabilities as well. Sony’s development integrates its imaging expertise that is taking hybrid stacked sensor technology that combines back-side illumination along with copper-to-copper (Cu-Cu) connections.
The combination provides a smaller chip footprint, maximized specifications for an electronic component, and faster processing speeds.
There are many advantages to the sensor. High frame rates can enhance vertical accuracy and effectively sees much smaller, low-shot objects like tires and can measure out to 250 meters. The IMX479 also allows very good distance resolution in that it makes measurements at 5 cm intervals. This is very important where determining the precise location of an object in real time.
With a 37 percent photon detection efficiency at 940 nm wavelengths, the sensor can easily detect objects, even in bright sunlight or more difficult situations like gloom, from distances well over 300 meters. This makes it particularly suited for the outdoor, real-world scenarios where lighting conditions are dynamic.
Sony has developed a mechanical scan LiDAR unit, using the IMX479, which will be provided to pre-qualified partners and developers for testing and evaluation. This will help provide refinement and validation of LiDAR systems for the vehicles of the future.
With the launch of the IMX479, Sony is making a significant impact on the development of autonomous driving technologies. The IMX479 has reset the bar for speed and accuracy in automotive LiDAR.
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