The AS6501 features “high-speed” LVDS interfaces for the start and stop signals at the light source in optical ranging equipment and scanners, and LVDS measurement outputs.
According to ams, it can be used to measure the time-of-flight of optical signals at 20ps per channel, or 10ps in dual-channel high-resolution mode, and captures measurements at speeds of up to 70Msamples/s.
ams claim that single-beam laser ranging systems based on the precise, high-speed AS6501 can render accurate and detailed outlines of objects in the field of view – an essential requirement of new assisted and autonomous driving systems in vehicles. Positron emission tomography (PET) medical imaging systems can also use the AS6501 to produce highly detailed images of a patient’s body.
The two-channel AS6501 is housed in a QFP48 package measuring just 7mm x 7mm, a 40% reduction in board footprint compared to its four-channel counterpart, the TDC-GPX2.
Moreover, the AS6501 can be used in designs based on a microcontroller which require a serial peripheral interface (SPI). The AS6501 also features a four-wire SPI for configuration settings, which can also optionally be used for data read-out.
