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AKM and Lumentum Collaborate to Develop a High-Power VCSEL Driver IC in dToF Sensor Technology

2022-12-13 | Return

Description

Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) has developed the AK8950, a 1-channel vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) driver for direct time-of-flight (dToF) sensors used in 3D cameras in collaboration with Lumentum Holdings Inc. (Lumentum), a market-leading designer and manufacturer of innovative optical and photonic products.

This product can drive a triple-junction VCSEL at 10 W peak with a pulse width of 1 ns. To enable low-power and eye safe dToF systems, a DC/DC converter and a short pulse generation circuit are used to drive the VCSEL. An evaluation kit with an integrated 10 W flood illuminator module from Lumentum is available. It can be used for evaluation for dToF sensor applications, such as Augmented Reality (AR) glasses.

Sample shipments began in November 2022, and mass-produced products are scheduled for shipment in the third quarter of 2023.

Features

Capable of driving triple-junction VCSELs

To drive a 10 W output triple-junction VCSEL with low power consumption, a variable output DC/DC converter and a pulse generation circuit are used to generate a short pulse of 1 ns.

● DC/DC output range: 5 V to 10.4 V (8 mV steps)
● 1 ns mode : 0.8 ns to 1.27 ns, 10 ps steps
● 2 ns mode : 1.6 ns to 2.54 ns, 20 ps steps

Built-in DLL circuit suppresses deterioration of distance accuracy

In a dToF system, distance accuracy deteriorates as propagation delay fluctuates with temperature. The AK8950 uses a built-in DLL circuit to maintain a constant delay inside the IC to suppress the deterioration of distance accuracy.

An evaluation kit with a Lumentum VCSEL is available

Makes easy optical evaluation possible. An evaluation kit for the dToF sensor solution is also available.

Applications
● AR Glasses
● Network Cameras
● Robot Cleaners
● Industrial Robots
● Smart Phones

Source: https://www.akm.com