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The following is an introduction to the application of aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramic PCB technology-ToF sensor:
What is "ToF"?
"ToF" is the so-called Time of Flight technology, that is, the sensor emits modulated near-infrared light, which is reflected after encountering an object. The sensor calculates the time difference or phase difference between light emission and reflection to convert the distance of the photographed scene. In order to generate depth information, combined with traditional camera shooting, the three-dimensional contour of the object can be presented in a topographic map with different colors representing different distances. The principle of ToF is not complicated, but it is not easy to achieve higher measurement accuracy and to miniaturize the transmitter and receiver modules.
TOF is just one solution in 3D depth camera technology. There are currently three mainstream 3D depth camera solutions: structured light, TOF, and binocular imaging.
Structured Light: After structured light projects specific light information onto the surface of the object, it is collected by the camera. According to the change of the light signal caused by the object, the information such as the position and depth of the object is calculated, and then the entire three-dimensional space is restored. (Apple iPhone X uses this solution)
Binocular imaging (Stereo System): Use dual cameras to shoot objects, and then calculate the distance of the object through the principle of triangles.
TOF (Time Of Flight): TOF system is a kind of light radar system that can emit light pulses from the emitter to the object, and the receiver can calculate the light pulse from the transmitter to the object, and then return to the receiver in pixel format. Time to determine the distance of the object being measured.
Among these three schemes, binocular range finding imaging has low efficiency, difficult algorithms, poor accuracy, and is easily interfered by environmental factors; structured light has excellent performance in close distances, some specific scenes, and specific applications. For example, a structured light of fifty to sixty centimeters for face unlocking is very suitable. However, with the continuous development of technology, the implantation of a 3D camera in a mobile phone only for the function of unlocking the proactive face is obviously no longer able to meet the needs of the majority of users for the application of 3D technology. In order to open up more and wider applications, more and more manufacturers have begun to adopt ToF technology.
The ToF image sensor can quickly calculate the depth information of the object in real time, and the depth calculation is not affected by the gray characteristics of the surface of the object. The depth calculation accuracy will not change with the distance, and the accuracy of centimeter level can be basically guaranteed. In theory, the farthest detection distance of the ToF sensor can reach 100m, and the light source can be adjusted to switch the required distance flexibly. In addition, the ToF sensor also has a good anti-interference ability.
Since measuring the flight time of light requires a very high frequency and accuracy, the early ToF equipment has always had problems in volume and high cost, so it is mostly only used in the industrial field. In recent years, breakthroughs in integrated circuit and sensor technology have led to the emergence of ToF miniaturization and low-cost products.
The development of science and technology is inseparable from hardware support, and ToF is naturally inseparable from the support of good hardware-"ceramic circuit boards".
Application of ToF technology
Phone camera
Since Apple released IphoneX in 2018, 3D sensing has been an indispensable feature of mobile phones. With the advancement of science and technology, people’s demand for products is getting higher and higher, such as AR viewing, AR try-on, AR home product preview, gesture operation, etc. applications are emerging one after another. Structured light cameras can no longer meet the needs of manufacturers, and more and more Of manufacturers are turning to ToF with more possibilities. The aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramic circuit board line/pitch (L/S) resolution produced by Stoneon can achieve 20μm and supports customization, which can better realize the TOF integration and miniaturization of the equipment, so as to meet the current needs The rigid demand for light and thin smartphones.
(Mobile phones with ToF cameras will have more possibilities)
vehicle electronics
In automotive applications, ToF can be used for automatic driving, collision avoidance automatic braking, and so on. Supported by the time-of-flight (ToF) principle, the car can accurately detect the driver’s body and head position, and even capture the blinking motion of the driver when he wears glasses or sunglasses to determine whether the driver is sufficiently focused and fatigued Drive to initiate corresponding countermeasures. For example, by vibrating the seat or warning sound. The less the driver’s attention is, the more the car will pay attention. In order to respond quickly and accurately, the auxiliary system and the emergency braking system can be automatically activated before a potential emergency occurs. At this time, the advantages of ceramic circuit boards are revealed. Stone aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramic circuit boards have high thermal conductivity (aluminum nitride (AlN) thermal conductivity 180 W/(mK) ~ 260 W/(mK)) When the chip is working, the heat can be effectively dissipated to ensure that the sensor signal will not be distorted; the bonding force of the ceramic and the circuit will cause the circuit to fall off, and the thermal expansion coefficient of the ceramic circuit board and the chip will match, making the product more reliable; ceramic does not contain The mechanical components can maintain the high efficiency, sensitivity and accuracy of the positive signal even in the high temperature, high vibration, and corrosive environment of the car. Effectively extend product life and escort your travel.
The ToF sensor is more suitable for the fragmented scene requirements of the future Internet of Things, and its flexibility is greater. PCB factories should continue to develop better and more efficient ceramic circuit boards, become a strong supporter of ToF sensors, and contribute to a smarter, more convenient and better life in the world. Stone will uphold the principle of "technology-driven and market-oriented" to provide customers with better and more considerate services.
