Time of Flight Sensortechnologie
Measure the difference: ToF technology from EQ Photonics
- precise, practical and suitable for your individual application
- technically and economically convincing
- functionally safe and reliable, even in full sunlight
Dr. Frank Kubacki – Sales engineer
Technical details and specifications of the ToF modules at a glance
Dimensions 8 x 8 x 12 mm | Weight <1g | Ambient light resistance >100 klux
SPI interface | Operating voltage 5V | Reference pixel
| Module number | Operating modes | Wavelength [nm] | Type. Range [m] | # Pixel | FoV [°] | Beam size @1m [cm] |
| AFBR-S50MV68B | Distance, 1D speed | 680 | 0.01 – 10 | 1 | 0.4 x 0.4 | 0.7 |
| AFBR-S50MV85I | Distance, gesture recognition, direction, 1D/3D speed | 850 | 0.01 – 5 | 32 | 12.4 x 5.4 | 23 x 10 |
| AFBR-S50MV85G | Distance, direction, 1D/3D speed | 850 | 0.01 – 10 | 7 – 16 | 4 x 4 | 7 |
| AFBR-S50LV85D | Distance, 1D speed | 850 | 0.01 – 30 | 1 – 2 | 2 x 2 | 3.5 |
| AFBR-S50LX85D | Distance, 1D speed | 850 | 0.01 – 100 | 1 – 2 | 2 x 2 | 3.5 |
| Evaluation Kit | Please contact EQ [↗] |
The ToF webinar – available now!
For your industry: How ToF technology enables unimagined precision and measurable progress
Experience the exclusive webinar with Broadcom® and AP Technologies on the Broadcom® AFBR-S50 ToF sensor family from 6 June 2024. You were not there live? Then secure our recording now.
The webinar is aimed at experts from research and development, such as engineers and innovation managers. Contents:
- Why ToF sensors are ideal for industrial applications with the highest demands on speed and accuracy.
- How they measure precisely under difficult conditions, such as direct sunlight and on different surfaces.
- Practical examples from the automotive, drone, robotics and factory automation sectors.
- Solutions for real challenges in various industries.
Discover the benefits of technology for your project.
Success stories around ToF technology in various industries
Success: Reliable drone control with advanced sensors
Use case: Drone control and navigation
Industry: Drone technology
Core result: Optimised control and stability of drones even in complex environments using ToF technology.
An innovative technology company specialising in the development of high-precision electronic components uses ToF technology for the precise control and navigation of drones. Thanks to its small dimensions (8x8x12mm) and a weight of just 1g, Broadcom’s ToF module was easy to integrate and ensures full operational capability under daylight conditions. In addition, this technology also ensures reliable navigation – even without GPS reception, such as in tunnels, industrial or underground environments.
Success: Increased safety thanks to high-precision proximity sensor
Use case: Collision avoidance for aeroplanes
Industry: Aviation
Core result: Collision avoidance for aircraft ground navigation through precise proximity measurement with ToF technology.
A renowned engineering company specialising in the development and manufacture of sensors and automation solutions has developed a new proximity sensor. This sensor utilises ToF technology to effectively prevent collisions. With a weight of only 1g and compact dimensions of 8x8x12mm, the sensor can be easily integrated into existing systems. This solution is ideal for safety in parking manoeuvres by enabling precise distance measurements even under difficult conditions.
Success: Safe use of pallet trucks in goods transport
Use case: Collision avoidance and environment monitoring for pallet trucks
Industry: Automated warehouse solutions / Warehouse
Core result: Reduction of transport accidents through innovative ToF technology for environment monitoring
The joint project of 3 renowned German research institutes and companies utilises ToF modules for collision avoidance and environmental monitoring of pallet trucks. The compact and lightweight modules (1g, 8x8x12mm) offer reliable distance measurement under all lighting conditions. This technology significantly improves the safety and efficiency of goods transport by reducing accidents and ensuring precise vehicle control.
Distance measurement: What question are you facing?
Is ToF suitable for the intended application?
Not every distance measurement scenario can be solved with ToF sensors, but many can. We will be happy to resolve any uncertainties regarding the exact requirements in your specific case.
The standard sensors do not fit. What now?
Distance sensors from other manufacturers for distance measurement are often either oversized and expensive, or inexpensive but imprecise, which impairs the compatibility of efficiency and economy of your application. We will find your distance sensor!
Which distance sensor is right for me?
ToF technology is extremely versatile. Selecting exactly the right solution from the range measurement options that is both technically ideal and cost-effective for your application requires technical understanding and expertise. We will be happy to advise you!
Lack of safety in step and edge detection?
A lack of precision in the sensor system jeopardises operational safety, as steps and edges are not reliably detected. We can change that.
Collisions and accidents must be avoided at all costs?
Insufficient precision and inaccurate person detection during distance measurement can lead to costly failures and increase safety risks. TOF modules provide a remedy here.
GPS failures and ‘blind spots’ bring navigation to a standstill?
GPS signals are unreliable in critical areas such as tunnels, which affects your navigation accuracy and distance measurement.
Why is our initial consultation for ToF technology worthwhile for you?
The initial consultation enables you to realise the full potential of ToF technology for your specific development project. It identifies possible technical and application-specific challenges and offers tried-and-tested, practical solutions that are both efficient and cost-effective.
Benefit from direct dialogue with specialists who understand your technical requirements and challenges.
Together, we develop the essential basics to check the technical and economic feasibility of your project.
We will find the right solution that is precisely tailored to the needs of your specific scenario in order to maximise efficiency and functionality.
Instead of searching on your own, we focus on effective solutions. Our advice is free of charge and without any obligations for you.
Get to know us, our expertise and our way of thinking personally.
Our aim is to work with you to find a customised ToF solution that is precisely tailored to the specific requirements and framework conditions of your project.
A technology partner with 1,000 possibilities: EQ Photonicss
Precision in distance measurement under strong sunlight: we advise and find solutions
Even under the challenge of solar radiation of up to 100kLux, ToF sensors can deliver reliable measurement results. We can advise you on ToF solutions that make your applications safe even under extreme lighting conditions.
Optimum measuring range for your distance sensor requirements: feasibility and selection
We advise you on feasibility and select your ToF sensors precisely to your specific requirements. The ideally matched measuring range ensures maximum efficiency and accuracy for your application.
Distance sensors for high-speed data acquisition for efficient processes: Benefit from real time
We rely on ToF so that you can benefit from fast, real-time data acquisition. We advise you on process optimisation and increase the performance of your application without compromising accuracy.
Double safety thanks to redundant data acquisition: precision and safety in distance measurement
We guarantee safety and reliability not only through our expert advice, but also thanks to the redundant data acquisition of our ToF sensors. We go the extra mile to ensure that your measurements are always precise and reliable.
More than ToF products: EQ Photonics offers you a genuine solution partnership.
Solution Selling for specific challenges
At EQ Photonics, we understand the uniqueness of your requirements. Our solution-selling approach ensures that you receive not just products, but precisely customised solutions that guarantee efficiency and operational reliability.
Access to research and development
As a partner of EQ Photonics, you benefit from our exclusive access to the latest developments and research results from manufacturers, which means that your products will automatically be at the forefront of technological development.
Innovation leadership with future-proof ToF applications
Our application and innovation management ensures that your systems always fulfil the latest technological standards and thus offer you both an economic and technological advantage.
The important difference: what you can expect from EQ Photonics
| Manufacturer | Online shops | EQ Photonics | Consultant | |||
| Expert advice on customised solutions / Solution Selling | ✓ | – | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Integrated project management | ✓ | – | ✓ | – | ||
| Fast enquiry and order processing (<24h) | – | ✓ | ✓ | – | ||
| Access to research and development, product management and production | ✓ | – | ✓ | – | ||
| On-site training and support | – | – | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Delivery even of small batches | – | ✓ | ✓ | – | ||
Broadcom + EQ Photonics = Gebündelte Stärken
EQ Photonics is the perfect partner for Broadcom’s industrial TOF sensor technology due to their many years of experience with industrial distance measurement and light sensor technology and the highest level of technical customer service they offer.
Dr. John MurphyBusiness Development Manager - IFPD – Broadcom Inc.
FAQ about ToF: The most frequently asked questions and answers about Time of Flight technology
Time-of-flight sensors (ToF) are optical sensors that measure the time it takes for a light signal to travel from the sensor to an object and back. They record the distance and surface information of objects in their field of view.
The Broadcom lidar sensors of the AFBR-S50 series are ideally suited for fast and highly precise distance and motion measurements. They are based on indirect time-of-flight measurement. The modules use sensitive 32-pixel APD detectors with integrated optics and lasers. With frame rates of up to 3 kHz, the AFBR-S50 is a fast tool for robotics, autonomous mobile vehicles, drones and automation technology. The sensors cover distances from ~0.01 to 100 m and a FOV of ~0.4°x0.4° up to 12° x 6°. All Broadcom modules work in direct sunlight (100 kLux). The very compact size of approx. 12 x 8 x 8 mm, a simple 5V power supply and the integrated clock source enable simple system integration. Data is transmitted via an SPI.
ToF modules are extremely versatile and can be used in a wide variety of applications in which distance measurement is relevant. We would be happy to check the feasibility of your project and select a suitable module for your application.
We will be happy to advise you on…
The operating voltage is 5 volts. The distance data is transmitted via SPI interface. For further questions, please use our free initial consultation [] for ToF sensors and ToF technologies.
We are also happy to provide our customers with samples and demo units. Please use our free initial consultation [↗] in advance to provide us with all the necessary information and a precise description of the measurement task.
Book a free initial consultation [↗] with our contact person Dr Frank Kubacki for a personal consultation on all aspects of ToF sensors and ToF technologies.