World’s Smallest Micro-Mirror Scanning Technology from STMicroelectronics Chosen for Intel RealSense LiDAR Depth Camera L515

By Tiera Oliver

Associate Editor

Embedded Computing Design

March 08, 2021

News

World’s Smallest Micro-Mirror Scanning Technology from STMicroelectronics Chosen for Intel RealSense LiDAR Depth Camera L515

STMicroelectronics developed a tiny MEMS mirror with Intel enabling spatial scanning of an environment.

Intel developed a LiDAR system based on this micro-mirror, providing high-resolution scanning for industrial applications such as robotic arms for bin picking, volumetric measurements, logistics, and 3D scanning.

Built into the Intel RealSense LiDAR Camera L515, the small dimensions of the ST micro-mirror contribute to the LiDAR camera’s hockey-puck size (61mm diameter x 26mm height). The micro-mirror enables continuous laser scanning across the entire field of view. In combination with a custom photodiode sensor, the RealSense LiDAR Camera L515 renders a 3D depth map of the entire scene.

“With 30 frames per second and a field-of-view of 70° by 55°, ST’s 2nd-generation micro-mirror continues to set the bar for 3D scanning and detection applications,” said Benedetto Vigna, President Analog, MEMS and Sensors Group, STMicroelectronics. “Continuing the long-term supply relationship for micro-mirrors with Intel demonstrates our never-ending efforts to leverage our long-lasting leadership in MEMS to meet the demanding technical and supply needs of our customers.” 

The L515 leverages the scanning capabilities of ST’s MEMS to deliver high-resolution depth with no interpolated pixels, the ability to control the field of view, and provides close to zero pixel blur driven by the low 50nS exposure time. 

For more information visit here.

Tiera Oliver, Associate Editor for Embedded Computing Design, is responsible for web content edits, product news, and constructing stories. She also assists with newsletter updates as well as contributing and editing content for ECD podcasts and the ECD YouTube channel. Before working at ECD, Tiera graduated from Northern Arizona University where she received her B.S. in journalism and political science and worked as a news reporter for the university’s student led newspaper, The Lumberjack.

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