ICs & Semiconductors

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and service robots in industrial equipment can incorporate the LD90QZW3 for distance measurement and spatial recognition. The high optical output laser diode can also be used in lidar (light detection and ranging) systems in consumer products, such as robot vacuum cleaners, says Rohm.

As lidar becomes more commonly used, there is a need to improve the performance of laser diodes used as light sources to increase detection distance and accuracy while reducing power consumption. Rohm has patented technology to achieve narrower emission width, contributing to a longer range and higher accuracy in lidar applications.

The RLD90QZW3 75W infra red, high optical output laser diode is designed for lidar used in distance measurement and spatial recognition in 3D time of flight (ToF) systems. The company says its technology achieves an emission width of 225 micron at equivalent optical output. This is 22 per cent narrower than conventional products, says the company, to improve beam characteristics. Uniform emission intensity together with low temperature dependence of the laser wavelength ensure stable performance contribute to higher accuracy and longer distances in lidar applications. Power conversion efficiency (which is a trade-off between narrow emission width) of 21 per cent, which is the same as standard products at a forward current of 24A and 75W output, for use without increased power consumption.

Rohm also offers optical circuit simulation models and application notes on drive circuit design on its website to integrate and evaluate the diode.

The company introduced a 25W laser diode in 2019 for consumer electronics products and is working on developing higher output 120W laser diodes for the automotive sector (AEC-Q102 qualified).

The 75W diode is available now, via online distributors Digi-Key, Mouser and Farnell, initially, with other online distributors to be announced.

Rohm Semiconductor develops and manufactures a large product range from SiC diodes and MOSFETs, analogue ICs such as gate drivers and power management ICs (PMICs) to power transistors and diodes to passive components. Production is in manufacturing plants in Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and China.

http://www.rohm.com/eu

From NXP Semiconductors comes the release of the i.MX 8XLite applications processor focused on secure V2X and industrial Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The SoC features NXP’s integrated EdgeLock security and is targeted at meeting FIPS 140-3 while simultaneously executing complex cryptography and processing telematics data.

FIPS 140-3 is a US government security standard for cryptographic modules used in various applications, including V2X and critical infrastructure applications.

The applications processor offers carmakers the opportunity to expand V2X benefits to entry level vehicles. It enables fleet management for automated vehicles and, says NXP, reduces operational costs via enhanced traffic control, improved traffic flow and optimised path planning. Industrial IoT developers can leverage the SoC in secure wireless, Ethernet and control area networking applications such as industrial vehicle management, building control and safety systems, solar power generation, EV charging stations and access controllers.

The i.MX 8XLite SoC is a member of the i.MX 8 series of applications processors, purpose-built with a V2X accelerator, which can be leveraged as part of NXP’s RoadLink V2X solution or as a standalone accelerator. Its vehicle-to-infrastructure capability helps vehicles communicate with roads, bridges and roadside units to obtain information about road conditions ahead. Its car-to-car communication enables cars to communicate via wireless technologies such as IEEE® 802.11p, 5G and cellular, creating a network of similarly equipped vehicles to “see” further ahead.

“We believe road safety is for everyone, and it should scale across vehicles and devices,” said Dan Loop, general manager, automotive edge processing, NXP. “The i.MX 8XLite SoC offers the security and performance needed to expand the safety benefits of V2X into entry level vehicles and into exciting new realms of unmanned industrial delivery and drone applications.”

NXP Semiconductors is driving innovation in the automotive, industrial and IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets. Built on more than 60 years of combined experience and expertise, the company has approximately 29,000 employees in more than 30 countries and posted revenue of $8.61 billion in 2020.

For more information go to http://nxp.com/iMX8XLite