A new architecture for TOF-based range-finding sensor

Abstract

This paper describes the design and characterization of a linear array for 3D measurements based on both multiple-pulse indirect-time-of-flight (ITOF) and optical triangulation (OT) techniques. The 128-pixel array has been fabricated in a standard 0.35-/spl mu/m, 3.3-V CMOS technology and the chip dimensions are 4.5/spl times/3.3-mm/sup 2./ The distance measurement with cooperative targets in the 2-8 m range has been successfully performed with a worst case precision better than 4 cm in the ITOF modality. Preliminary test confirmed also the validity of the OT mode, reporting a depth resolution of 100 /spl mu/m at 1 m.