SiPM array is qualified for automotive lidar use
Lidar capabilities have been added to ON Semiconductor’s intelligent sensing portfolio, with the addition of the RDM-series silicon photo-multiplier (SiPM) array. The ArrayRDM-0112A20-QFN is the first automotive-qualified SiPM product in the market, claims ON Semiconductor.
The monolithic (1 X 12) array of SiPM pixels, enables high sensitivity to near-infra red (NIR) light to achieve 18.5 per cent photon detection efficiency (PDE) at 905nm. The high internal gain of the SiPM allows sensitivity down to the single photon level, which, combined with the high PDE, detects the faintest return signals for a longer distance range, even with low reflective targets, says ON Semiconductor.
SiPM technology has become the sensor of choice for depth sensing applications. They can deliver the highest signal-to-noise performance for long distance ranging in bright sunlight conditions. They also have low supply biases and low sensitivity to temperature changes, making them suitable upgrades for systems that use legacy avalanche photodiodes (APDs). The high volume CMOS process production contributes to the low detector cost, adds ON Semiconductor.
Lidar is used in vehicles to improve safety and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), as well as for fully autonomous driving use cases, such as robotic transportation, to safely navigate the environment in real time.
The ArrayRDM-0112A20-QFN’s high PDE allows lidar systems supporting these functions demonstrated a distance range of over 300 meters. The greater distance gives vehicles more time to respond.
The ArrayRDM-0112A20-QFN is AEC-Q102 qualified and developed in accordance with IATF 16949.
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