TDK introduces two new high-performance ultrasonic ToF sen-sors

• ICU-10201 and ICU-20201 are high performance ultrasonic ToF sensors integrating PMUT (Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer) with an ultra-low-power SoC (system on chip) in a miniature 3.5 × 3.5 mm² reflowable package
• The MEMS sensors provide accurate range measurements at distances up to 5m over a wide and configurable Field-of-View (FoV) on any surface and under any lighting condition
• Due to a powerful embedded processor and extended memory space, the sensors deliver high computational power allowing complete application algorithms directly on the chip

TDK Corporation (TSE: 6762) introduces the Chirp ICU-10201 and ICU-20201, two new high-performance, ultra-low power integrated ultrasonic Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors for short- and long-range detection. The new MEMS sensors embed a more powerful on-chip processor with higher computational power; the enhanced processing capabilities allow a wide range of application algorithms to fit and to run on-chip, completely offloading the system MCU.

Compared to the previous generation, the ICU-10201 and ICU-20201 embed:

• 10 times faster DSP with HW multiplier for higher calculation power
• 3 times larger code memory
• 2 times larger data memory
• A fast host interface (SPI)
• Support a wide range of IO supply voltages

“With the introduction of the ICU-10201 and the ICU-20201, TDK continues to expand the SmartSonic™ product family which enhance everyday objects making them greener, safer, and more aware of the surrounding environment,” said Massimo Mascotto, Director of Product Marketing, Chirp, a TDK group company. “In line with the strong shift driven by the recent pandemic, the sensors allow the implementation of touchless control for appliances located in public areas, such as factories, schools, train stations and airports, thus enabling increased personal safety.”

ICU-20201

• The ICU-20201 MEMS sensor provides accurate range measurements to targets up to 5m away.

ICU-10201

• The ICU-10201 MEMS sensor provides accurate range measurements to targets up to 1.2m away.

Differentiating from infrared sensors, TDK’s ultrasonic time-of-flight sensor measurements are achieved in any lighting condition, including full sunlight, and provides millimeter-level accuracy, independent of the target’s color and optical transparency.

Glossary

• ToF: Time of Flight
• FoV: Field of View
• EV: Evaluation module
• DK: Developer Kit
• MEMS: Micro Electrical Mechanical Systems

Key applications

• ICU-10201

Augmented/Virtual reality and gaming, gesture control, robotics and drones, obstacle avoidance, floor type and cliff detection for robotic vacuums, mobile and computing devices, ultra-low power remote presence-sensing nodes, water/liquid dispenser – level sensing

• ICU-20201

Robotics and drones, obstacle avoidance, mobile and computing devices, proximity/presence sensing, home/building automation, water/liquid dispenser – level sensing & shelf inventory monitoring

Key features and benefits

• ICU-10201
  • Second generation high performance, ultra-low power, miniature long-range ultrasonic sensor, operating range 10cm to 1.2m

• Works in any lighting condition
• Detects objects of any color and optical transparency
• Customizable field of view (FoV) up to 180°
• 5 × 3.5 × 1.26 mm, 8-pin LGA package

• ICU-20201
  • Second generation high performance, ultra-low power, miniature ultrasonic sensor, operating range 20cm to 5m
  • Works in any lighting condition
  • Detects objects of any color and optical transparency
  • Customizable field of view (FoV) up to 180°
  • 5 × 3.5 × 1.26 mm, 8-pin LGA package

Key Data

Availability and Pricing

The ICU-10201 and ICU-20201 in an ultra-compact package footprint of 3.5 × 3.5 mm² are available for immediate sampling. TDK will be introducing the two new high-performance ultrasonic ToF sensors during the 2022 CES Virtual Press Conference. For more information availability and pricing please visit email: sales.europe@macnica.com.

About TDK Corporation

TDK Corporation is a world leader in electronic solutions for the smart society based in Tokyo, Japan. Built on a foundation of material sciences mastery, TDK welcomes societal transformation by resolutely remaining at the forefront of technological evolution and deliberately “Attracting Tomorrow.” It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products.

TDK’s comprehensive, innovation-driven portfolio features passive components such as ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, as well as magnetics, high-frequency, and piezo and protection devices. The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors. In addition, TDK provides power supplies and energy devices, magnetic heads and more. These products are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics and TDK-Lambda.

TDK focuses on demanding markets in automotive, industrial and consumer electronics, and information and communication technology. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2021, TDK posted total sales of USD 13.3 billion and employed about 129,000 people worldwide.

About InvenSense

InvenSense, Inc., a TDK Group company, is a world leading provider of high performance MEMS sensor platforms. InvenSense’s vision of Sensing Everything® targets the consumer electronics and industrial areas with integrated Motion, Sound, and Ultrasonic solutions.

InvenSense’s solutions combine MEMS (micro electrical mechanical systems) sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, compasses, microphones, and ultrasonic 3D-sensing with proprietary algorithms and firmware that intelligently process, synthesize, and calibrate the output of sensors, maximizing performance and accuracy. InvenSense’s motion tracking, ultrasonic, audio, fingerprint, location platforms and services can be found in Mobile, Wearables, Smart Home, Industrial, Automotive, and IoT products.

InvenSense became part of the MEMS Sensors Business Group within the newly formed Sensor Systems Business Company of TDK Corporation in 2017. In February of 2018, Chirp Microsystems joined the InvenSense family through its acquisition by TDK. InvenSense is headquartered in San Jose, California and has offices worldwide. For more information, go to https://www.invensense.tdk.com.

About Macnica ATD Europe GmbH, (former Macnica GmbH)

Macnica’s ATD Europe GmbH, (former Macnica GmbH), was originally established in the UK in 2006, and moved to Germany in July 2008, to increase efficacy of its service for European customers.

By it’s acquisition of the Munich based company Scantec Mikroelektronik in 2014 Macnica Europe formed a powerful semiconductor distribution with headquarter in Ingolstadt and offices in Munich, Regensburg, Milton Keynes (UK) and Warsaw offering an attractive and competitive portfolio of highly sophisticated devices.

Macnica provides end to end support from design-in to production through its global service network to its customers, regardless of the final destination of the product shipment to customers‘ manufacturing locations.

About Macnica ATD Europe S.A.S.

Founded in 1990 as ATD Electronique, Macnica ATD Europe headquarter offers innovative components dedicated to imaging applications for the European market. Its product portfolio includes: image sensors (CCD, CMOS, InGaAs, Thermal etc.), optics, interface circuits, FPGA & IPs, imaging processors, cables and OLED microdisplays.

It also covers development tools and design services enabling fast and efficient realization of new high-performance camera systems for markets such as machine vision, medical, life sciences, surveillance, automotive and others. After the acquisition of the company by Macnica Inc. as of October 1, 2020 the company operates under the name Macnica ATD Europe.