Time-of-Flight IC handles object detection and distance measurement

Intersil Corporation, a provider of innovative power management and precision analog solutions, introduced an innovative time-of-flight (ToF) signal processing IC that provides a complete object detection and distance measurement solution when combined with an external emitter (LED or laser) and photodiode. The ISL29501 ToF device offers one-of-a-kind functionality, including ultra-small size, low-power consumption and superior performance ideal for connected devices that make up the Internet of Things (IoT), as well as consumer mobile devices and the emerging commercial drone market.

The ISL29501 overcomes the shortcomings of traditional amplitude-based proximity sensors and other ToF solutions that perform poorly in lighting conditions above 2,000 lux, or cannot provide distance information unless the object is perpendicular to the sensor. Alternative solutions are too expensive, bulky or power hungry for use in small form factor, battery-powered applications. Based on Intersil’s patented technology, the ISL29501 sensor provides a small solution footprint and precision long-range accuracy up to two meters in both dark and bright ambient light conditions. Unlike competitive solutions, the ISL29501 allows customers to select the emitter and photodiode of their choice and configure a low power ToF sensing system customized for their application. To make system design easy for customers, Intersil offers a reference design featuring the ISL29501, emitter and photodiode, along with graphical user interface (GUI) software and user’s guide.

The ISL29501 applies Intersil’s power management expertise to save power and extend battery life through several innovations. The on-chip emitter DAC with programmable current up to 255mA allows system designers to select the desired current level for driving the external infrared (IR) LED or laser. This feature enables optimization of distance measurement, object detection and power budget. The device’s single shot mode saves power by allowing designers to define the sampling period for initial object detection and approximate distance, while continuous mode more accurately measures distance. The ISL29501 also performs system calibration to accommodate performance variations of the external components across temperature and ambient light conditions.

“Prior to Intersil’s time-of-flight technology breakthrough, there was no practical way to measure distance up to two meters in a small form factor,” said Andrew Cowell, senior vice president of Mobile Power Products at Intersil. “The innovative ISL29501 provides customers a cost-effective, small footprint solution that also gives them the flexibility to use multiple devices to increase the field of view to a full 360 degrees for enhanced object detection capabilities.”

Key Features and Specifications

• On-chip DSP calculates ToF for accurate proximity detection and distance measurement up to two meters
• Modulation frequency of 4.5MHz prevents interference with other consumer products such as IR TV remote controls that operate at 40kHz
• On-chip emitter DAC with programmable current up to 255mA allows designers to choose the desired current level to optimize distance measurement and power budget
• Operates in single shot mode for initial object detection and approximate distance measurement, while continuous mode improve distance accuracy
• On-chip active ambient light rejection minimizes or eliminates the influence of ambient light during distance measurement
• Programmable distance zones: allows the user to define three ToF distance zones for determining interrupt alerts
• Interrupt controller generates interrupt alerts using distance measurements and user defined thresholds
• Automatic gain control sets optimum analog signal levels to achieve best SNR response
• Supply voltage range of 2.7V to 3.3V
• I²C interface supports 1.8V and 3.3V bus

The ISL29501 can be combined with the ISL9120 buck-boost regulator to further reduce power consumption and extend battery life in consumer and home automation applications.

Pricing and Availability
The ISL29501 signal processing IC is available now in a low profile 4mm x 5mm, 24-lead TQFN package and is priced at $4.87 USDin 1k quantities. The ISL29501-ST-EV1Z reference design board is completely characterized and available now, priced at $250 USD. Customers can use it along with Intersil’s ToF GUI software and user’s guide to design their system with minimum effort.

For more information on the ISL29501 and ToF reference design board and GUI, please visit: www.intersil.com/products/isl29501.

About Intersil
www.intersil.com