MIKROE’s LightRanger 14 Click Introduces dToF-Based 3D Sensing

MIKROE has recently expanded its optical sensor portfolio with the introduction of the LightRanger 14 Click, a compact add-on board that is specifically designed to provide high-precision distance and depth measurement using direct time-of-flight (dToF) technology. This new Click board is targeted at a wide range of applications, including people counting, robotics, and autofocus systems, showcasing the versatility and potential of advanced sensing technologies.

For readers of eeNews Europe, this announcement is particularly significant as it underscores the increasing accessibility of advanced 3D sensing technologies at the prototyping stage. By integrating a multi-zone dToF sensor into a standardized Click board format, MIKROE aims to streamline evaluation processes and expedite the development of spatially aware embedded systems, offering developers a valuable tool for innovation.

Advanced Technology in a Compact Module

The LightRanger 14 Click is powered by the TMF8829 sensor from ams OSRAM, a cutting-edge multi-zone dToF sensor that combines SPAD detection, time-to-digital conversion, and histogram processing. With configurable depth map resolutions ranging from 8×8 to 48×32 zones, developers have the flexibility to adjust spatial resolution based on their specific requirements, striking a balance between precision and processing efficiency.

Capable of detecting distances from 10 mm to 11,000 mm with a resolution of 0.25 mm and an 80° field of view, the sensor is equipped with an integrated VCSEL and multi-lens array (MLA) for consistent illumination and reliable performance in various optical conditions. MIKROE emphasizes that the board is well-suited for real-time ranging and depth-sensing applications that demand high accuracy and responsiveness.

Nebojsa Matic, CEO of MIKROE, highlighted the versatility of the LightRanger 14 Click, stating, “This new Click board is ideal for applications such as laser autofocus (LDAF), robotics, SLAM, gesture recognition, and people counting systems. It is part of our extensive family of optical sensor Click boards, and developers can explore over 800 projects with working code featuring the LightRanger 14 Click on MIKROE’s embedded projects platform, EmbeddedWiki.”

Seamless Integration and Software Support

Featuring both I²C (I3C-compatible) and SPI interfaces, as well as dedicated pins for control and interrupt signaling, the LightRanger 14 Click offers versatile connectivity options. As a mikroBUS-enabled board, it is compatible with a wide range of host systems that support the mikroBUS standard, which is widely adopted in microcontroller and processor evaluation platforms.

The board also incorporates ClickID functionality, enabling automatic identification by the host system and simplifying setup during evaluation and prototyping. Supported by mikroSDK open-source libraries, developers have access to a wealth of ready-to-use drivers and examples that can be customized for specific applications, enhancing the ease of development and integration.

As a recent addition to MIKROE’s extensive portfolio of over 1,800 Click boards, covering sensors, connectivity, power management, and interface functions, the LightRanger 14 Click exemplifies the company’s commitment to providing developers with a comprehensive ecosystem for rapid prototyping and development of embedded and edge AI systems that require advanced 3D perception capabilities.