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Tech - ToF

Single Zone & Multi-Zone dToF Solutions

Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors from ams OSRAM are based on proprietary SPAD (Single Photon Avalanche Photodiode) pixel design and time-to-digital converters (TDCs) which have an extremely narrow pulse width. They measure in real time the direct time-of-flight (dToF) of a 940nm VCSEL (laser) emitter’s infrared ray reflected from an object. This low-power dToF sensing technology enables host systems to accurately measure distance at very high speed. Accurate distance measurements are used in many applications e.g. presence detection, obstacle avoidance & ranging.


Explore our multi-zone direct time-of-flight sensors with a recommended operating range 1-500cm, upto 63° field of view in a 2.0 x 4.6 x 1.4mm optical module.
TMF8820 3x3 zones
TMF8821 3x3, 4x4, 3x6, user configurable zones
TMF8828 8x8 zones

Explore our single-zone dToF sensors in a 2.2 x 3.6 x 1.0mm optical module.
TMF8801 recommended operating range 2-250cm
TMF8805 recommended operating range 2-250cm
TMF8701 recommended operating range 0-60cm

Technology - ToF description

Histogram-based architecture and smart algorithms in our Time of Flight sensors

Thanks to sophisticated histogram data and smart software algorithms developed by ams, its Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors:

  • are able to detect and cancel out the effect of cover glass
  • are immune to smudges and to crosstalk caused by reflections from the cover glass
  • accommodate a large air gap
  • maintain accurate distance detection independent of the object’s color, reflectivity and texture
  • can measure the distance from multiple objects in the field of view
Time of Flight Sensors Histogram
Tech - 3d dToF

3D dToF Solution

The implementation of 3D direct Time-of-Flight in mobile devices promises to spark the next wave of killer consumer applications, from photography enhancement to AR interactions. 
Integrating ams’ 3D optical sensing solutions with a partner’s advanced middleware and software for simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) and 3D image processing offers the option for manufacturers to quickly and more simply implement augmented reality (AR) functions on mobile devices. Read also our press release about 3D direct Time-of-Flight.

ams expects to be production ready soon with a fully integrated 3D dToF sensing solution superior to any existing implementation. Features will include: 

  • Superior detect range at constant resolution and absolute precision in all lighting conditions including outdoors – not possible in other 3D solutions
  • Best-in-class high ambient light immunity – 20x higher peak power compared to 3D ToF solutions currently available in the market
  • Lowest average power consumption optimized for mobile – for room scanning distance range at high framerate (>30fps)
mobile 3D dToF AR