From Pixel
to final Product.

Pixel
Everything starts with the pmd 3D pixel

Based on the pmd (photonic mixer device) principle – which we have invented – our pixel detects intensity and distance values with a high level of accuracy in parallel.

By continually advancing the pixel design, we can reduce its size and increase its performance dramatically. Additionally, every pixel has our patented suppression of ambient light (SBI) directly integrated to deliver superior robustness against influences from other light sources, such as sunlight or other IR emitting light sources.

Left: VCSEL
Right: pmd Pixel

Bringing two experts together
The Time-of Flight Sensor

Together with our partner Infineon, we jointly develop and build the CMOS 3D image sensor based on our unique pmd pixel matrix. Infineon contributes all functional blocks for the system-on-chip (SoC) integration and together we developed the pmd ToF-optimized CMOS manufacturing process standard option.

As one of the biggest semiconductor manufacturers worldwide, Infineon already shipped millions of 3D image sensors and counting.

The facts represent the features of our latest 3D image sensor generation IRS2381C from 2020. Available for mass production.

  • VGA resolution (640 x 480)
  • 10th generation depth-sensor
  • Only 4.6 x 5 mm small
  • Optimized BoM and reduced design complexity

Cleanroom & laboratories
Where the magic happens

3D camera module
Small in size, big on performance

The camera module combines our 3D image sensor with a lens, the VCSEL, and a processing unit in a housing so small that it fits into the notch of a smartphone. We evaluate and develop the reference designs of the modules based on the requirements of the final product. Our module manufacturing partners then use those reference designs as a blueprint to build the 3D camera modules for mass production.

The VCSEL
The source of light

Our VCSEL (vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser) emit the modulated light signal at high speeds of 100 MHz and beyond in a narrow spectrum of a few nanometers to light the scene. Although VCSELs are able to deliver a high level of optical power, our VCSEL-based illumination modules are designed to ensure that they are eye-safe and operate at low levels of power, which means they are ideal for mobile devices such as smartphones. Additional advantage of using a VCSEL are high levels of reliability and cost efficiency.

3D camera module
Small in size, big in performance

The camera module combines our 3D image sensor with a lens, the VCSEL, and a processing unit in a housing so small that it fits into the notch of a smartphone. We evaluate and develop the reference designs of the modules based on the requirements of the final product. Our module manufacturing partners then use those reference designs as a blueprint to build the 3D camera modules for mass product

The VCSEL
The source of light

Our VCSEL (vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser) emit the modulated light signal at high-speeds up to 100 MHz and beyond at a narrow spectrum of a few nanometer to light the scene. Although VCSEL are able to deliver high optical power, our VCSEL based illumination modules are designed to ensure eye-safe and also a low power operation, ideal suited for mobile devices such as smartphones. Additional advantage of using a VCSEL are the high reliability and cost efficiency.

Software
Advanced data & image processing to AI

Hundreds of thousands of precise 3D data points of the environment.

The heart and soul of our software offering are our industry-leading time of flight processing algorithms. The firmware that runs on the 3D image sensor hands over the raw data from the sensor to our processing library. This software package then calculates the depth data used for applications like FaceID, AR and others, taking into account important aspects like accuracy, power consumption and CPU load.

  • Complete Software Suite
    Additionally, we provide a complete software suite for calibration, configuration, and integration of our camera modules into a wide variety of embedded systems, as well as a powerful SDK for developers to build custom applications.
  • Middleware Partner Network
    Our middleware partners use the depth data from our 3D module to build software for specific use cases. We work with several middleware partners that offer their solutions for a variety of applications specifically developed for our 3D sensor. App developers can use the middleware to build own apps with 3D depth sensing ranging from gesture control, face authentication to augmented reality apps.

On-Site Support
Field Application Engineering

Our Field Application Engineering team supports our partners, who build 3D camera modules in high volumes, with support, tools, and their extensive experience in building and producing ToF technology. From workshops to local on-site support and from calibration equipment to volume production quality checks, we help our production partners to build a high-quality 3D camera module with a high yield in high volumes.

Final Product
Already running millions of devices