Summary of Broadcom AFBR-S50 ToF laser light sensor measures up to 10 meters
The AFBR-S50 is a multipixel optical Time-of-Flight distance and motion sensor with an integrated 850 nm VCSEL, single 5 V supply, SPI interface, and measurement rates up to 3 kHz. It can measure distances up to 10 m, operates in ambient light up to 200 kLux, supports 9–16 illuminated pixels (32 total), is accurate to under 1%, and works on diverse surfaces both indoors and outdoors. Broadcom offers two variants with different wavelengths, pixel counts, and fields of view.
Parts used in the AFBR-S50:
- AFBR-S50 multipixel ToF sensor module
- Integrated 850 nm VCSEL laser light source
- SPI interface (for host communication)
- Integrated clock source
- Single 5 V power supply
- On-chip ambient light suppression circuitry (up to 200 kLux)
- Sensor variants: AFBR-S50MV680B and AFBR-S50MV85G
- Pixel array (up to 32 pixels, 9–16 illuminated)
The AFBR – S50 is a multipixel distance and motion measurement sensor. It has an integrated 850nm vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) which uses a single voltage supply of 5V. It’s measurement rates are quick and as fast as 3 kHz, which is a distinguishing feature. However, this is not the reason why the AFBR – S50 stands out. It is different because unlike other Time of Flight (ToF) ranging sensors, the AFBR – S50 can measure up to 10 meters whereas similar sensors don’t get close to that.
Furthermore, the sensor works on the principle of Optical Time of Flight. Time-of-Flight principle (ToF) is a method for measuring the distance between a sensor and an object, based on the time difference between the emission of a signal and its return to the sensor, after being reflected by an object. If you have used the popular HC-SR05 Ultrasonic sensor, then you have seen this principle in action. The AFBR – S50 can be used both inside and outside to cover wide ranges of ambient light. It supports almost 3000 frames every second with an accuracy of less than one percent on diverse types of surfaces.
The multi-pixel sensor works with up to 16 illuminated pixels out of 32 and with its best-in-class ambient light suppression of up to 200kLx, to ensure smooth usage outside. It uses SPI Interface to communicate with a host device. AFBR – S50 not only works outside but it is also equally effective on colored, white, black and metallic reflection objects.
Broadcom has released two different versions of the sensor:
- AFBR-S50MV680B
- 680nm laser light source.
- One illuminated pixel
- FOV (Field Of View) 1.55° x 1.55°
- Single voltage – 5V supply
- AFBR-S50MV85G
- 850nm laser light source
- 9-16 illuminated pixels
- FOV 6.2° x 6.2°
- Single voltage – 5V supply
Below are the General Specifications for the Multipixel sensor:
- Integrated 850nm laser light source.
- Between 9-16 illuminated pixels.
- FOV 6.2°x 6.2° (1.55 x 1.55°/pixel).
- High-speed measurement rates of up to 3 kHz.
- Variable distance range up to 10m.
- Operation up to 200k Lux ambient light.
- Works well on all surface conditions.
- SPI digital interface (up to 20 MHz).
- Single voltage supply 5V.
- Integrated clock source.
- Laser Class 1.
- Accuracy < 1 percent.
- Drop-in compatible with the AFBR-S50 sensor platform
Read more: Broadcom AFBR-S50 ToF laser light sensor measures up to 10 meters
- What measurement principle does the AFBR-S50 use?
It uses the Optical Time-of-Flight principle, measuring time between emission and reflection of a laser pulse. - How far can the AFBR-S50 measure?
It can measure distances up to 10 meters. - What is the maximum measurement rate of the AFBR-S50?
It supports measurement rates as fast as 3 kHz, nearly 3000 frames per second. - Does the AFBR-S50 work outdoors in bright light?
Yes, it supports ambient light up to 200 kLux and has best-in-class ambient light suppression. - What interface does the AFBR-S50 use to communicate with a host?
It uses an SPI digital interface up to 20 MHz. - What power supply does the AFBR-S50 require?
It requires a single 5 V supply. - How many pixels does the multipixel AFBR-S50 support?
The sensor has up to 32 pixels, with 9–16 illuminated pixels in the multipixel variant. - What is the field of view of the AFBR-S50 multipixel version?
The multipixel version has a FOV of 6.2° x 6.2° (1.55° x 1.55° per pixel). - How accurate is the AFBR-S50?
It provides accuracy of less than 1 percent on diverse surfaces. - What variants of the AFBR-S50 has Broadcom released?
Broadcom released AFBR-S50MV680B and AFBR-S50MV85G variants.
