Time of flight distance sensor with enhanced dynamic range
 
Time of flight distance sensor with enhanced dynamic range 
 
Daniël Van Nieuwenhove, Daniël Van Nieuwenhove, Ward van der Tempel, Ward van der Tempel, Riemer Grootjans, Riemer Grootjans, Maarten Kuijk, Maarten Kuijk
 
Abstract 

A time-of-flight distance measurement sensor is presented. Detection and mixing is done with an in-substrate current assisted photonic demodulator. Background light suppression and high dynamic range is achieved using a variable transimpedance amplifier. The pixel also comprises sample and hold circuitry and special low pass filters, for in-pixel averaging, with a 10 Hz to 10 kHz tuneable cut-off frequency. Proof-of-principle measurements on a standard CMOS 0.35 um prototype measuring 50 um x 50 um with a fill factor of 60\% are included.