A New Wide-Angle 6m Time-of-Flight Sensor: AFBR-S50MX85I

Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensing has become an essential technology for measuring distance in modern electronic systems. Instead of relying on indirect proximity detection, these sensors determine the exact distance to an object by analysing how long it takes light to travel to a target and return. In advanced implementations, modulated infrared light is emitted and the phase difference between transmitted and reflected signals is measured to calculate distance with high precision.

This approach enables rapid and accurate distance measurements, making ToF sensors highly effective in applications where speed and reliability are critical.

Why Time-of-Flight Sensors Matter

Compared with traditional sensing technologies such as ultrasonic detectors or simple infrared proximity sensors, ToF technology delivers far more detailed information. Ultrasonic solutions can be slower and less precise, while basic IR sensors usually only detect whether something is present.

ToF modules, however, provide precise distance measurements with millimetre-level resolution, enabling systems to map their surroundings and react quickly. These capabilities are particularly valuable in robotics, automation, gesture control interfaces, and industrial monitoring systems.

Introducing the AFBR-S50MX85I

A recent addition to Broadcom’s ToF portfolio is the AFBR-S50MX85I, a higher-power, wide-field sensor designed for medium-range distance measurement.

The module emits a laser beam across a wide angle and pairs this with optics capable of capturing multiple measurement points. As a result, the sensor can generate 32 individual distance readings, allowing systems to detect motion and create a more detailed spatial understanding of their environment.

This model expands the existing AFBR-S50 family and offers improved performance for applications that require both range and wide coverage.

Key Performance Highlights

The AFBR-S50MX85I delivers several important improvements over earlier variants:

• Extended measurement range – capable of measuring distances up to around 6 metres, and potentially farther in favourable indoor conditions.

• Multipixel sensing – a 32-pixel avalanche photodiode receiver allows 3D motion detection and spatial awareness.

• Wide beam angle – a 13° × 6° transmitter beam enables monitoring across a broader field of view.

• High-speed operation – measurement rates can reach up to 3 kHz, supporting fast-moving or dynamic systems.

• Strong ambient light tolerance – designed to operate even under bright sunlight conditions up to around 100 kLux.

Together, these features make the sensor suitable for systems requiring quick, reliable spatial data.

Reliable Performance in Challenging Conditions

Optical sensors often struggle when exposed to strong ambient light. The AFBR-S50MX85I addresses this with robust ambient light suppression, allowing it to maintain performance outdoors or in brightly lit industrial environments.

It can also measure distances to a wide variety of materials, including reflective, dark, coloured, and metallic surfaces, improving its flexibility across different use cases.

The integrated 850 nm infrared laser is classified as Class 1 eye-safe, simplifying safety compliance for product designers integrating the module into commercial devices.

Simplified Integration for System Designers

Ease of integration is another advantage of the AFBR-S50MX85I. The sensor operates from a single 5 V supply and typically consumes around 33 mA, helping minimise power requirements.

Communication with the host system is handled via a standard SPI interface, enabling straightforward connection to many common microcontrollers.

Unlike some sensing modules, the device does not include an onboard processor. Instead, a lightweight software driver is provided so the host MCU can handle the processing. This design reduces component cost and allows developers to use more economical microcontrollers without requiring floating-point hardware.

Typical Application Areas

Because it combines speed, range, and spatial awareness, the AFBR-S50MX85I can be used across a wide range of industries, including:

• Robotics and autonomous navigation

• Industrial automation and positioning systems

• Human–machine interfaces and gesture recognition

• Warehouse and logistics monitoring

• Security and sensing applications

These environments benefit from rapid distance feedback and reliable detection across varying surface types and lighting conditions.

Supporting Next-Generation Sensor Designs

With its extended sensing range, wide field of view, and high-speed measurement capability, the AFBR-S50MX85I offers an effective solution for engineers developing advanced sensing systems.

Evaluation kits and software tools are available to help developers quickly test and integrate the sensor into their designs, making it easier to prototype new products that rely on accurate real-time distance measurement.

For more information on Introducing Broadcom’s New 6m+ Wide-Angle ToF Sensor: the AFBR-S50MX85I talk to AP Technologies Ltd