ScioSense introduces a time to digital converter for LiDAR systems and other autonomous technologies.
ScioSense, Eindhoven, Netherlands has developed the ‘LTDC-X3’ which is a two-channel time-to-digital converter (TDC) designed to significantly enhance the performance of LiDAR systems. This new device offers unique time measurement resolution and data output rates which make it ideal for a wide range of applications, from robotics and drones to industrial safety scanners and golf range finders. It is particularly beneficial for OEMs, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system developers, and industries seeking to improve their autonomous technologies with real-time environmental sensing.
It sets a new standard in precision, with a single-shot resolution as fine as 20 picoseconds (psrms), allowing for precise measurement of both the rising and falling edges of a pulse on each stop channel. With its ultra-fast sampling capabilities, the TDC is optimised for LiDAR systems that require high data throughput. It is equipped with a high-speed quad SPI interface that can transfer data at a rate of up to 50MHz or 200MB/s, ensuring rapid processing of information in fast-moving applications such as drones and robotics.
One of the standout features of the TDC is its ability to register up to four Stop triggers per start pulse. This functionality enables LiDAR systems to capture reflections from multiple objects within the sensor’s field of view, helping robots or drones navigate complex environments with greater accuracy. As Norbert Breyer, Director of Marketing and Product Management, ScioSense, explained, “The introduction of the LTDC-X3 gives LiDAR system manufacturers a new, smaller option which offers higher speed, consumes much less power and has an attractive unit cost.”
Beyond its core time measurement role, it also acts as an integrated sensor interface. It includes a start pulse generator with configurable phase noise, a stop input comparator compatible with a low voltage differential signalling (LVDS) interface, and on-chip calculation of the time differences between the stop and start pulses. These features contribute to more efficient and cost-effective LiDAR designs, especially in applications that require a compact form factor and low power consumption.
The recently introduced TDC is packaged in a 32-QFN format with a footprint of just 4mm x 4mm, making it an ideal choice for space-constrained systems. Further, its low power dissipation of 150mW simplifies thermal design, ensuring that it can be seamlessly integrated into various systems without overheating.
