LRFProduct Catalog
LRFProduct Catalog
LRFProduct Catalog
Eyesafe
Laser Rangefinders &
3D Imaging Lidar Sensors
and Components
1
Our eyesafe laser ranging and lidar
imaging products efficiently capture
accurate geospatially referenced 3D
images of scenes, over long ranges
and in adverse conditions—
revolutionizing the way people,
instruments and vehicles interact
with each other and their
environments.
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Contact Information .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Core Advantage .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Laser Ranging and Laser Imaging Innovation .................................................................................................................................... 4
Eyesafe Rangefinding, 3D Scanned Lidar, and Flash Lidar Imaging ................................................................................................... 4
Vertical Integration ........................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Products, Services & Other Applications of the Technology ..................................................................................................................... 4
High‐Gain, Low‐Excess‐Noise SWIR APDs ......................................................................................................................................... 4
InGaAs APD Arrays ............................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Single‐photon APD Detector (SPAD) Imagers ................................................................................................................................... 4
APD Photoreceivers .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
CMOS Amplification and Signal‐processing ASICs ............................................................................................................................. 5
Q‐switched Pulsed 1535‐nm Lasers .................................................................................................................................................. 5
Eyesafe Laser Rangefinders ............................................................................................................................................................... 5
Flash Lidar, and Dual‐mode Laser Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs) and Imagers ....................................................................................... 5
Time‐to‐Digital Converters (TDCs) .................................................................................................................................................... 5
Customers & Markets ................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Automotive ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Construction and Excavation ............................................................................................................................................................ 6
Mapping ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Asset Management ........................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Datasheets
Eyesafe 1534-nm LRFs......................................................................................................................................................................7
Narrow-Profile Eyesafe LRF Modules for Original Equipment Manufacturers...............................................................................10
Eyesafe LRF Modules for Original Equipment Manufacturers........................................................................................................16
LRF System-Integrator Kits............................................................................................................................................................26
DPSS 1534-nm Pulsed Micro-Lasers...............................................................................................................................................33
ROX™ InGaAs APD Photoreceivers.................................................................................................................................................41
Facilities ..................................................................................................................................................................................................57
Contact Information
Voxtel Opto
15985 NW Schendel Avenue
Beaverton, OR 97006 USA
+1 971 223 5646 | www.voxtel‐inc.com
3
CORE ADVANTAGE
Our custom miniature pulsed eyesafe lasers, highly sensitive short wavelength infrared (SWIR) photoreceivers, and ultra‐precise
integrated circuits, allow us to integrate cost‐effective, small‐sized, lightweight, low‐power laser ranging and lidar imaging sensors
with unsurpassed performance.
Laser Ranging and Laser Imaging Innovation Eyesafe Rangefinding, 3D Scanned Lidar, and Flash Lidar Imaging
For almost two decades, VoxtelOpto has maintained focus on Systems that transmit laser beams through open air can be hazardous
innovating technologies for eyesafe laser ranging and lidar to the eye. At an eye‐sensitive wavelength, even a low‐power visible
imaging. Today, no other company has the experience, in‐house laser can be focused into an extremely small spot on the retina,
technological expertise, end‐to‐end component design and resulting in localized burning and permanent damage. Unlike most
system engineering, electro‐optical manufacturing capabilities, other laser ranging and 3D lidar systems, ours use lasers that meet the
and application domain knowledge. stringent emission requirements for Class‐1 lasers, by operating in the
Our technologies include the highest‐performance near infrared eyesafe SWIR range at 1535 nm. At this wavelength, the maximum
(NIR) and SWIR avalanche photodiode (APD) detectors and detector permissible eye exposure is as much as a million times greater than in
arrays in the world, novel ultra‐miniature eyesafe q‐switched lasers, the NIR spectral region. This allows us to use higher photon flux
and custom pulse‐processing and time‐to‐digital‐converter (TDC) densities to obtain images faster and at longer ranges, in much smaller,
integrated circuits (ICs). Our custom APD photoreceivers are lighter packages. And, because light scatters less at this spectrum, our
industry’s most sensitive. This allows us to obtain range images, at products are less susceptible to fog, rain, snow and other degraded
long distances, or over wider field of view, with less laser power, in visual conditions—directly translating into safety for our users.
all‐weather conditions. The combination of highly sensitive detectors Vertical Integration
and high‐peak‐power eyesafe lasers, combined with our custom ICs,
and electro‐optical packaging expertise, allow cost‐effective, We maintain vertical technology integration with a breadth of custom
compact laser ranging sensors to be built. component technologies, including InGaAs APD detectors, APD
detector arrays, silicon single‐photon APD detector (SPAD) arrays,
Our ability to identify and bring new technologies to market quickly CMOS and bi‐CMOS pulse‐processing and picosecond‐scale accurate
and reliably makes VoxtelOpto one of the top laser‐imaging‐ timing circuits, ultra‐miniature q‐switched eyesafe lasers, and complex
technology companies in the world. By balancing stability and opto‐mechanical and opto‐electronic system engineering.
flexibility, we continue to earn our strong reputation as quick, nimble
problem solvers and expert product developers. We successfully These in‐house capabilities allow us to rapidly innovate and
navigate our customer’s complex multi‐dimensional imaging needs integrate cost‐effective, small‐sized laser ranging and 3D lidar
with a proven record of delivering robust, compact, and cost‐ imaging systems that have unsurpassed performance, giving
effective solutions. integrators the ability to design and deliver superior products.
PRODUCTS, SERVICES & OTHER APPLICATIONS OF THE TECHNOLOGY
High‐Gain, Low‐Excess‐Noise SWIR APDs
Unlike common APDs, which have noisy avalanche gain, our
custom‐engineered, industry‐leading advanced InGaAs APDs
offer extremely low dark current and half the excess noise,
providing superior range and false‐alarm performance. Sensitive
over the 900 – 1700‐nm spectrum, including the eyesafe spectral
region beyond 1300 nm, our high‐gain, low‐excess‐noise APDs
can enable sensitivities approaching a single photon.
InGaAs APD Arrays
Our APD arrays—which can be offered in formats up to 1K x
1K—use backside illumination to achieve low capacitance, high
speed and low dark noise.
Single‐photon APD Detector (SPAD) Imagers
Our emerging series of large‐format visible and near‐infrared
digital SPAD imagers, integrate our leading ASIC amplification
and readout circuits, with highly efficient, low‐noise SPADs in
dense large‐format imaging arrays. Our SPAD technology has
the world’s highest detection efficiency at the lowest dark‐
count rates. Our emerging line of near‐infrared‐sensitive and
back‐illuminated SPADs are designed to serve near‐infrared
lidar and low‐light‐level imaging applications.
4
APD Photoreceivers
Our APD photoreceivers—that integrate our high‐gain APDs
and low‐noise ASICs—provide state‐of‐the‐art sensitivity
enabling laser‐pulse‐energy requirements to be reduced by a
factor of at least 30 compared to PIN photodiode receivers,
and at least 5 compared to competitor APD photoreceivers. To
achieve the stable gain required for the highest‐sensitivity
imaging capabilities of our APD photoreceiverss—especially at
higher temperature operation, where impact ionization would
otherwise decrease, leading to unstable gain witnessed as
noise—temperature is monitored thousands of times per
second and APD bias is optimized by a microcontroller.
CMOS Amplification and Signal‐processing ASICs
Our ASICs are directly bonded to single elements for range
finding and scanned lidar applications, or are configured as
two‐dimensional multiplexed readout integrated circuits
(ROICs) ROICs for hybridized flash lidar focal plane arrays. Our
integrated‐circuit design team achieves low‐noise, high‐speed
(e.g., GHz‐rate) detector signal processing, densely integrated
analog and digital circuit functions, TDCs and analog‐to‐digital
converters (ADCs) on a single full‐custom CMOS integrated
circuit. This unique capability offers tremendous leverage in
many applications, including highly sensitive active imaging
and lidar, where performance demands integral design of the
detector and ROIC.
Q‐switched Pulsed 1535‐nm Lasers
To engender eyesafe laser ranging and imaging applications,
we developed our high‐peak‐power diode‐pumped solid‐state
(DPSS) laser transmitters with approximately 5‐ns pulses,
offered in models with pulse energies ranging from 10 μJ to 1
mJ and pulse rates ranging from 1 Hz to 500 kHz. These lasers
are qualified to MIL‐STD‐883, MIL‐STD‐810, and MIL‐STD‐202.
Eyesafe Laser Rangefinders
Answering the previously unmet need for a cost‐effective
eyesafe LRFs, small and lightweight enough for handheld or
unmanned vehicle integration, with a capability to range to
long distances, our ROX™ series of micro laser rangefinder
(μLRF) has established a new class of rangefinder that offers
eyesafe operation and high performance in a small,
lightweight package that includes an integrated attitude and
heading reference sensing (AHRS), allowing accurate
geospatially referenced range data.
Flash Lidar, and Dual‐mode Laser Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs)
and Imagers
Leveraging our ROIC design experience, we have developed a
series of sophisticated dual‐mode FPAs that, in each pixel,
include: time‐of‐flight and partial‐ or full‐waveform sampling
for flash lidar applications, or passive imaging and active laser
pulse detection
Time‐to‐Digital Converters (TDCs)
Our broad portfolio of TDCs—from a single channel to as many
as 1,024 signal channels—can record pulse arrival times with
accuracies to 10 picoseconds and below.
5
CUSTOMERS & MARKETS
Our customer‐focused innovation and expertise allow superior‐performance products to be built that locate, map and manage assets,
perform autonomous navigation, and offer automobile driver assistance and collision avoidance.
6
1534-NM LASER RANGEFINDER TURNKEY LRF
FEATURES
• Long Range: 3 km (100 µJ)/5 km (300 µJ)
• Fine Range Precision: Better than
150‑mm single-shot or 50-mm multi-pulse
• Easy to operate: Factory calibrated and
automated to optimize range
performance from -45 °C to 65 °C
• Low Noise-Equivalent Input (NEI): As little
as 35 photons
• Excellent beam quality: M2 < 1.15 x DL,
where DL is the diffraction limit
• Programmable Operating Modes:
Voxtel’s turnkey 1534-nm laser rangefinder (LRF) is a new class of
o Time-variable Threshold (TVT): Reduces
high‑performance, non-ITAR restricted rangefinder designed for long
false alarms due to nearfield scattering
range and high accuracy range measurements in an extremely
o Programmable Threshold: User-set or
compact, lightweight, and low-power system. The LRF includes a
auto-calibrated to background flux
small‑form‑factor 1534-nm diode‑pumped solid‑state (DPSS) laser,
o Enhanced Performance: Multi-pulse
Voxtel’s highly sensitive ROX™ InGaAs avalanche photodiode (APD)
processing for extended range and
receiver, and custom amplification and pulse-processing circuits,
increased precision
which achieve industry’s highest sensitivity. The combination of the
o Range Walk Correction: Time-over-
state-of-the-art APD receiver, and the low‑divergence
threshold (TOT) calibration reduces
diffraction‑limited DPSS laser pulses achieves extremely long standoff
range errors due to pulse amplitude
range with sub-150-mm range precision using a small-sized package.
variation.
The LRF can deliver optimized performance over a wide temperature
o Passive PRF Decoding: Allows the
range and under a variety of conditions including: direct sunlight,
frequency of other sensed lasers to be
cover, night operation and low visibility—including fog, rain and snow.
determined
Each LRF is calibrated at the factory to provide optimal performance
over a -45 °C to 65 °C temperature range. To provide ideal operation ORDERING INFORMATION
in variable conditions, a serial command set is used with a USB
interface. This allows fast and easy control and dynamic configuration • FUKJ-KGAC: 100-μJ laser, 3-km range
of the LRF. The controller can be flexibly configured for: time-variable- • FUMJ-KGAC: 300-μJ laser, 5-km range
threshold (TVT) operation, to reduce false alarms due to nearfield
scattering ● time‑over-threshold (TOT), to reduce amplitude- CONTACT INFO
dependent time-walk errors ● auto-calibration, to enable a
user‑defined false‑alarm rate (FAR) in changing background optical VOXTEL INC.
radiation levels ● multi-pulse processing, to enhance range and 15985 NW SCHENDEL AVE #200
resolution ● passive operation, to measure the pulse-repetition BEAVERTON, OR 97006
frequency (PRF) of external lasers. 971-223-5642
WWW.VOXTEL-INC.COM
The LRF is powered using a lithium-ion polymer (LiPo) battery. More SALES@VOXTEL-INC.COM
than 200,000 range events are possible before battery recharging is
necessary. The battery is charged using the micro-USB connector.
8
DIMENSIONS
SOFTWARE
The LRF can be easily programmed using the simple serial communications command set over USB interface. User-
programmable features include:
9
NARROW-PROFILE EYESAFE TURNKEY 1534-NM
LASER RANGEFINDER (LRF) LASER RANGING
OEM MODULE MODULE
FEATURES
Turnkey: Integrates erbium-glass
pulsed laser, high-performance
InGaAs APD, pulse-processing
electronics, and programmable
interface
Boresighted Optics: Receiver and
transmitter optics boresighted at
the factory
Excellent Sensitivity: Low-excess-
noise InGaAs APD
Eyesafe: Class 1, 1534-nm laser
High Accuracy: 500-mm single-
pulse; 100-mm multi-pulse
Voxtel’s Narrow-Profile Laser Rangefinder (LRF) Original Equipment Near Diffraction-Limited Laser
Manufacturer (OEM) Module allows system integrators to efficiently Beam Quality: M2 < 1.15 x DL
integrate an eyesafe laser ranging capability into a thermal or electro- Ultra-low Noise Equivalent Input
optical system, weapons scope, or consumer product. The Narrow- (NEI): as low as 45 photons
Profile LRF OEM Module includes Voxtel’s ROX™ InGaAs avalanche Long Lifetime: > 50M shots
photodiode (APD) photoreceiver boresighted with a collimated near-
diffraction-limited (DL) 1534-nm diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) OPTIONS
pulsed laser.
Laser: 48 kW
This Narrow-Profile LRF OEM Module is the industry’s most compact Receiver Aperture: 21 mm
and power-efficient pulsed laser ranging solution. The 21-mm aperture Transmitter Collimators: 17x
enables standoff ranges out to 6 km with a 48-kW DPSS laser. With multi- standard; other magnification
pulse processing, range is approximately twice as far. available upon request
The Narrow-Profile LRF OEM Module includes Voxtel’s robust, low-noise, Pitch Plate for fine pointing
high-gain ROX APD photoreceiver that offers best-of-class sensitivity adjustment
without the use of thermoelectric cooling, allowing for long-standoff Auxiliary Board: Integrated AHRS
range performance with less laser pulse energy and lower power. To with 9-axis IMU, Bluetooth low-
allow optimal APD bias at all operating temperatures, the Narrow-Profile energy communications module,
LRF OEM Module includes automatic APD bias temperature and 8-bit ADC
compensation that is calibrated at the factory.
CONTACT INFO
The APD photoreceiver is integrated with standard 21-mm-diam.
optical apertures. Custom receiver options are also available. The 17x VOXTEL INC.
magnification collimated lasers have excellent beam quality—M2 < 15985 NW SCHENDEL AVE #200
1.15 x DL, where DL is the diffraction limit, which allows for maximum BEAVERTON, OR 97006
pulse energy to be placed on the target—even at long distances and 971-223-5642
in difficult atmospheric conditions. WWW.VOXTEL-INC.COM
SALES@VOXTEL-INC.COM
pulse), < 60 mW/cm2 ambient solar background 11 Measured through the beam expander
5 Preliminary data
11
Communication interface Serial commands over UART 3.3V CMOS logic
Mechanical Specifications
Weight, all components 175 g 145 g
Environmental
Operating temperature12 -45 °C to +65 °C 1
Storage temperature -55 °C to +85 °C
Lifetime (MTTF) 50 million shots
12 Custom to +75° C also available upon request
AUXILLARY BOARD
An optional auxiliary board includes an integrated AHRS module with 9-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), and
Bluetooth low-energy communications module. The AHRS module can be factory-calibrated.
Accelerometer Sensitivity
Sensitivity (2g full scale) 1024 LSB/g
AHRS Specifications
Zero-g offset temperature drift ±1 mg/K
Heading repeatability (total error) ±0.5 deg
Output noise density 150 μg/√Hz
Heading noise (std. dev.) 0.17 deg
Total RMS noise, at 100 Hz 1.5 mg-rms
Pitch repeatability (total error) ±0.01 deg
Max output data rate 1,000 Hz
Pitch noise (std. dev) 0.15 deg
Magnetometer Sensitivity
Gyroscope Noise
Full scale range (x-, y- axes) ±1300 μT
Sensitivity (125 deg/s full scale) 256 LSB/deg/s
Full scale range (z-axis) ±2500 μT
Total RMS noise (57-Hz bandwidth) 0.1 deg/s
Sensitivity scale factor (x-, y- axes) 0.32 μT/LSB
Output noise density 0.014 deg/s/√Hz
Sensitivity scale factor (z-axis) 0.15 μT/LSB
Max output data rate 2,000 Hz
Total RMS noise, at 20 Hz 0.3 μT
Maximum output data rate 300 Hz
12
The Bluetooth interface can be used to command and receive data from the LRF using the serial commands
available in the Voxtel document LRF Software ICD: Modules, Kits, and Components, which is shipped with the product
and is available at voxtel-inc.com.
SOFTWARE CONTROL
The LRF OEM Module can be easily programmed using the simple serial communications command set over a simple
serial UART interface.
User-programmable features include: ● time-variable threshold (TVT), used to reduce false alarms due to nearfield
scattering, ● time-over-threshold (TOT) range-walk compensation, used to reduce amplitude-dependent timing errors
● autocalibration, used to set the threshold to achieve a user-defined FAR given ambient background optical
radiation conditions ● multi-pulse processing, used to enhance range and resolution ● passive operation, used to
measure the pulse-repetition frequency of external lasers.
The available commands can be found in the Voxtel document: LRF Software ICD: Modules, Kits, and Components
To configure and operate the LRF OEM Module using a terminal emulator of a graphical user interface, see the Quick
Start section of the Voxtel document: LRF User Manual: Modules, Kits, and Components
These are shipped with the product and are available at voxtel-inc.com. The tools on the website can be used to
update device drivers and firmware.
ELECTRICAL
Block Diagram
13
Timing Diagrams
LRF Single-Pulse-Range Cycle
14
MECHANICAL DRAWINGS
Narrow-Profile Laser Rangefinder OEM Module
48-kW, 21-mm-aperture module (model DUMQ-NCBC)
15
EYESAFE TURNKEY 1534-NM
LASER RANGEFINDER (LRF) LASER RANGING
OEM MODULE MODULE
FEATURES
Turnkey: Integrates erbium-glass
pulsed laser, high-performance
InGaAs APD, pulse-processing
electronics, and programmable
interface
Boresighted Optics: Receiver and
transmitter optics boresighted at
the factory
Excellent Sensitivity: Low-excess-
noise InGaAs APD
Eyesafe: Class 1, 1534-nm laser
High Accuracy: 500-mm single-
Voxtel’s Laser Rangefinder (LRF) Original Equipment Manufacturer pulse; 100-mm multi-pulse
(OEM) Module allows system integrators to efficiently integrate an Near Diffraction-Limited Laser
eyesafe laser ranging capability into a thermal or electro-optical Beam Quality: M2 < 1.15 x DL
system, weapons scope, or consumer product. The LRF OEM Module Ultra-low Noise Equivalent Input
includes Voxtel’s ROX™ InGaAs avalanche photodiode (APD) (NEI): as low as 45 photons
photoreceiver boresighted with a collimated near-diffraction-limited Long Lifetime: > 50M shots
(DL) 1534-nm diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) pulsed laser.
This LRF OEM Module is the industry’s most compact and power- OPTIONS
efficient pulsed laser ranging solution, with a range of available laser Laser: 30 kW, 50 kW, or 120 kW
pulse energies and receiver optical apertures that allow for long- Receiver Aperture: 21-mm or 50-
distance ranging. The 21-mm-aperture option enables standoff mm-diam.; custom sizing available
ranges beyond: 5 km with the 30-kW DPSS laser; 10 km with the 50-kW Transmitter Collimators: 17x
DPSS laser; and 12 km with the 120-kW DPSS laser. With multi-pulse standard; other magnification
processing, range is about twice as far. And, the 50-mm-aperture available upon request
option enables standoff ranges about twice as far as the 21-mm option. Auxiliary Board: Integrated AHRS
The LRF OEM Module includes Voxtel’s robust, low-noise, high-gain ROX with 9-axis IMU, Bluetooth low-
APD photoreceiver that offers best-of-class sensitivity without the use of energy communications module,
thermoelectric cooling, allowing for long-standoff range performance and 8-bit ADC
with less laser pulse energy and lower power. To allow optimal APD bias
at all operating temperatures, the LRF OEM Module includes automatic CONTACT INFO
APD bias temperature compensation that is calibrated at the factory.
VOXTEL INC.
The APD photoreceiver is integrated with standard 21-mm-diam. or 50- 15985 NW SCHENDEL AVE #200
mm-diam. optical apertures. Custom receiver options are also BEAVERTON, OR 97006
available. The 17x magnification collimated lasers have excellent 971-223-5642
beam quality— M2 < 1.15 x DL , where DL is the diffraction limit—which WWW.VOXTEL-INC.COM
allows for the maximum pulse energy to be placed on the target— SALES@VOXTEL-INC.COM
even at long distances and in difficult atmospheric conditions.
ORDERING INFORMATION
LRF OEM Module LRF OEM Module LRF OEM Module
Base Unit with Integrated With Aux Board
without Housing Aluminum Housing Without Housing
30 kW Laser
21-mm dia. receiver aperture DUKL-NCBC DUKT-NCBC DUKS-NCBC
50 kW Laser
21-mm dia. receiver aperture DUML-NCBC DUMT-NCBC DUMS-NCBC
50-mm dia. receiver aperture DUQL-NHBC DUQT-NHBC DUQS-NHBC
120 kW Laser
21-mm dia. receiver aperture DUNL-NCBC DUNT-NCBC DUNS-NCBC
50-mm dia. receiver aperture DUNL-NHBC DUNT-NHBC DUNS-NHBC
17
SPECIFICATIONS
DUKL-NCBC DUML-NCBC DUQL-NHBC DUNL-NCBC DUNL-NHBC
Laser peak power (typical)1,2 30 kW 50 kW 120 kW
Aperture diameter 21 mm 21 mm 50 mm 21 mm 50 mm
Multi-pulse range3,4,5 7km 11 km 18 km 12 km 21 km
Singe-pulse range4,6 4 km 6 km 10 km 9 km 12 km
Multi-pulse extinction ratio (500 m/85%)3,7 32 dB 37 dB 42 dB 39 dB 46 dB
Single-pulse extinction ratio (500 m/85%)7 28 dB 33 dB 41 dB 35 dB 42 dB
Performance Specifications
Maximum number of returns per pulse8 20
Minimum target separation7 5m
Range accuracy, single-/multi-pulse9 500 mm / 100 mm
Minimum range10 20 m
Transmitter Specifications
Voxtel DPSS laser LAK0-E00C LAM0-FX0C LAMM-FB0C LAN0-F00C
Transmitter wavelength 1534 nm 1534 nm 1534 nm
Transmitter pulse width1 4 ns 7 ns 5 ns
Transmitter rep. frequency, max (multi-pulse)11 10 Hz 10 Hz 10 Hz5
Transmitter beam diameter 4.25 mm 5.10 mm 6.78 mm
Transmitter beam divergence, full angle (1/e2) 0.7 mrad 0.5 mrad 0.4 mrad
Transmitter beam quality (M²) 1.15 x DL 1.15 x DL 1.15 x DL
Receiver Specifications
NEI1 (quanta/energy) 45 photons/
5.805*10-18 J
Dynamic range, total 70 dB
Dynamic range, linear 25 dB
APD Gain (M) 1 – 20
APD Responsivity (M = 1)6 1.1 A/W
Electrical Specifications
Input voltage, typical/max 5 VDC / 5.5 VDC
Standby power 200 mW
Max current draw during range request 1.8 A
Power consumption, 1-Hz continuous ranging1 700 mW 900 mW 1400 mW
Communication interface Serial commands over UART 3.3V CMOS logic
Mechanical Specifications
Weight, all components 106 g 112 g 135 g 129 g 153 g
Weight, including optional housing and 216 g 221 g 244 g 239 g 261 g
mounting hardware
Environmental
Operating temperature12 -45 °C to +65 °C
Storage temperature -55 °C to +85 °C
Lifetime (MTTF) 50 million shots
1 25 °C
2 1534 nm
3 30% reflective extended target (larger than beam area), multi-pulse processing time 1.1 – 1.5 seconds.
4 90% probability of detection, < 2% false alarm probability (single pulse), < 60 mW/cm2 ambient solar background
5 Preliminary data
6 30% reflective 3.3 x 3.3 m2 target
7 Target return level ≤ 10x NEI
8 Max including one T0 pulse
9 When calibrated with time-over-threshold (1 σ)
10 10 m possible with lower-energy laser models
11 Heat sinking required for 120-kW LRF
12 Custom to +75° C also available upon request
18
AUXILLARY BOARD
An optional auxiliary board includes an integrated AHRS module with 9-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), and
Bluetooth low-energy communications module. The AHRS module can be factory-calibrated.
19
Ancillary Sensor Support
The auxiliary board provides an I2C interface that allows additional sensors and hardware to be connected to the LRF
module.
SOFTWARE CONTROL
The LRF OEM Module can be easily programmed using the simple serial communications command set over a simple
serial UART interface.
User-programmable features include: ● time-variable threshold (TVT), used to reduce false alarms due to nearfield
scattering, ● time-over-threshold (TOT) range-walk compensation, used to reduce amplitude-dependent timing errors
● autocalibration, used to set the threshold to achieve a user-defined FAR given ambient background optical
radiation conditions ● multi-pulse processing, used to enhance range and resolution ● passive operation, used to
measure the pulse-repetition frequency of external lasers.
The available commands can be found in the Voxtel document: LRF Software ICD: Modules, Kits, and Components
To configure and operate the LRF OEM Module using a terminal emulator of a graphical user interface, see the Quick
Start section of the Voxtel document: LRF User Manual: Modules, Kits, and Components
These are shipped with the product and are available at voxtel-inc.com. The tools on the website can be used to
update device drivers and firmware.
ELECTRICAL
Block Diagram
20
Timing Diagrams
LRF Single-Pulse-Range Cycle
21
MECHANICAL DRAWINGS
OEM Module Base Unit (Without Housing)
21-mm receiver aperture models
30-kW, 21-mm (model DUKL-NCBC)
22
120-kW, 21-mm (model DUNL-NCBC)
23
LRF Module (With Integrated Aluminum Housing)
21-mm receiver aperture models
30-kW, 21-mm (model DUKT-NCBC)
24
50-mm receiver aperture models
50-kW, 50-mm (model DUQT-NHBC)
25
LASER RANGEFINDER (LRF) SYSTEM- 1.5-MICRON LASER
INTEGRATOR KIT RANGEFINDER
INCLUDES INGAAS APD PHOTORECEIVER, 1534-NM SYSTEM-
DPSS LASER, TDC & CONTROL ELECTRONICS INTEGRATOR KIT
FEATURES
Turnkey: Integrates DPSS erbium-
glass laser, high-performance
InGaAs APD, and programmable
pulse-processing electronics
Voxtel’s Laser-rangefinder (LRF) System-Integrator Kit gives system Low Excess Noise: Impact-
designers a turnkey laser-ranging solution for thermal, electro-optical, ionization engineered InGaAs APD
and optical scope integration. Each kit includes Voxtel’s ROX™ Eyesafe: Class 1, 1534-nm laser
avalanche photodiode (APD) photoreceiver, which offers best-in- High Precision: 500-mm single-
class sensitivity enabling long-standoff range performance with less pulse; 100-mm multi-pulse
laser pulse energy. The ROX photoreceiver is paired with Voxtel’s small- Near Diffraction-limited Laser
form-factor 1534-nm diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) erbium-glass Beam Quality:
laser transmitter, programmable time-to-digital converter (TDC), and M2 < 1.15 x diffraction limit
programmable controller board. The result is a compact, lightweight Excellent NEI: as low as 45 photons
highly-reliable ranging module with excellent performance. Low Power: < 1 mW w/ LRF disabled
Long Lifetime: > 50 million shots
Each Kit is factory calibrated. To provide optimal performance over a
-50 °C to +65 °C temperature range, four operating modes are OPTIONS
included: bias for best noise equivalent input (NEI) operation; bias for
Integrated Optics: Receiver (f/1;
optimal sensitivity for a 10-Hz to 350-Hz false alarm rate (FAR); stable
21-mm and 50-mm aperture) and
photoreceiver responsivity; and stable gain (M = 1). The Kit is easily
laser collimator (17x magnification)
programmed using commands from a flexible serial communications
Auxiliary Board: AHRS and
library, communicated over a simple serial UART interface.
Bluetooth communications
Other user-programmable features include: ● time-variable-threshold Turnkey LRF Modules: Available as
(TVT), used to reduce false alarms due to nearfield scattering, ● original equipment manufacturer
time-over-threshold (TOT) range walk correction, used to reduce (OEM) modules or as robust
amplitude-dependent range-walk errors ● autocalibration, used to set electro-optical assemblies
the threshold to achieve a user-defined FAR given ambient APD Photoreceiver and Laser
background optical radiation conditions ● multi-pulse processing, Ranging Control Electronics:
used to enhance range and resolution ● passive operation, used to Available without laser and pointer
measure the pulse-repetition frequency of external lasers.
The LRF System-Integrator Kit can optionally include laser-collimating
CONTACT INFO
optics and photoreceiver optics. For integration with user provided VOXTEL INC.
lasers, kits are available without the lasers (APD photoreceiver and 15985 NW SCHENDEL AVE #200
laser ranging control electronics only). Also available is an optional BEAVERTON, OR 97006
auxiliary board that includes an Integrated attitude and heading 971-223-5642
reference system (attitude and heading reference system, AHRS) WWW.VOXTEL-INC.COM
module with a 9-axis IMU and a Bluetooth low-energy SALES@VOXTEL-INC.COM
communications module.
Voxtel Literature LRF System Integrator Kit 12Apr2019 ©. Voxtel makes no warranty or
representation regarding its products’ specific application suitability and may make
changes to the products described without notice.
26
SPECIFICATIONS
LRF System-Integrator Kit without T0 detector EUKK-N00C EUMK-J00C EUMK-N00C EUNK-N00C
Voxtel laser model number LAK0-E00C LAM0-F00C LAM0-F00C LAN0-F00C
Voxtel APD photoreceiver model number RUC1-NIAC RUC1-JIAC RUC1-NIAC RUC1-NIAC
Transmitter wavelength 1534 nm
Laser peak power (typical)1,2 29 kW 48 kW 48 kW 115 kW
Transmitter pulse spectral width1 4 ns 7 ns 7 ns 5 ns
Transmitter beam width (FWHM) 0.02 nm
Wavelength shift1 +0.014 nm/+oC
Transmitter beam diameter 250 μm 300 μm 300 μm 450 μm
Transmitter beam divergence, full angle (1/e2) 12 mrad 8 mrad 8 mrad 6 mrad
Transmitter beam quality (M²) 1.15 x DL
APD collection aperture 200 µm 75 µm 200 µm 200 µm
Noise equivalent input1 45 photons 45 photons 45 photons 45 photons
Total dynamic range 70 dB
Linear dynamic range 25 dB
APD gain range (M) 1 – 20
APD responsivity (M = 1) 1.1 A/W
Number of returns per pulse, maximum 20
Target separation, minimum3 5m
Range accuracy (single-pulse/multi-pulse) 1,3 ,4 500 mm / 100 mm
Minimum range5 20 m
Power consumption, LRF disabled < 1 mW
Power consumption, standby 250 mW
Power consumption, 1-Hz continuous ranging1 700 mW 900 mW 900 mW 1400 mW
Timing, power-on to standby 45 ms
Timing, standby to range 180 ms
Communications interface Serial commands, UART 3.3V CMOS Logic
Analog signal (peak to peak) 150 mV
Operating humidity (relative humidity) 90%
Operating temperature6 -50 °C to +65 °C
Storage temperature -55 °C to +85 °C
Lifetime (MTTF) 50 million shots
Weight
Base Unit7 37.2 g 38.3 g 38.3 g 53.4 g
Options (See Ordering Information for part numbers)
With Integrated T0 Detector +0.2 g +0.2 g +0.2 g +0.2 g
With Auxiliary Board +5.0 g +5.0 g +5.0 g +5.0 g
With 17x Laser Beam Expander/Collimator +51.3 g +55.6 g +55.6 g +58.1 g
With 21 mm Optics +46.8 g +46.8 g +46.8 g +46.8 g
With 50 mm Optics +61.0 g +61.0 g +61.0 g +61.0 g
Exclusions (See Ordering Information for part numbers)
Without Laser & Laser Driver Board -18.3 g -19.4 g -19.4 g -34.5 g
With Laser Collimating Optics
Laser collimator magnification 17x 17X 17X 17X
Collimated beam divergence 0. 7 mrad 0.5 mrad 0.5 mrad 0.4 mrad
With 21-mm Receiving Optical Mechanical Module
Receiver aperture 21 mm 21 mm 21 mm 21 mm
Receiver f/number f/1 f/1 f/1 f/1
With 50-mm Receiving Optical Mechanical Module
Receiver aperture 50 mm 50 mm 50 mm 50 mm
Receiver f/number f/1 f/1 f/1 f/1
27
ORDERING INFORMATION
LRF System-Integrator Kits
Part Number
Laser Receiver
InGaAs With T0 Detector
Laser Pulse Energy Pulse Collimator Optics Without T0 Detector
APD Photo- Integrated with Laser
(Eyesafe DPSS Laser) Width Module Module
receiver Without Aux With Aux Without Aux With Aux
Options Options
Board Board Board Board
No Laser— 75 µm EU0K-J00C EU0S-J00C
Photoreceiver & Laser 200 µm EU0K-N00C EU0S-N00C
NA None None NA NA
Ranging Control 250 µm CA EU0K-K00C EU0S-K00C
Electronics Only 500 µm EU0K-P00C EU0S-P00C
None EUKK-J00C EUKS-J00C EUPK-J00C EUPS-J00C
Fiber pigtail 62.5-
core/125-clad EUKK-JQ0C EUKS-JQ0C EUPK-JQ0C EUPS-JQ0C
(0.27 NA) FC/PC
None Fiber pigtail 105-
core/125-clad EUKK-JR0C EUKS-JR0C EUPK-JR0C EUPS-JR0C
75 µm (0.22 NA) FC/PC
Fiber pigtail 200-
core (0.37 NA) EUKK-JT0C EUKS-JT0C EUPK-JT0C EUPS-JT0C
FC/PC
with 17x None EUKK-J0BC EUKS-J0BC EUPK-J0BC EUPS-J0BC
laser 21 mm EUKK-JCBC EUKS-JCBC EUPK-JCBC EUPS-JCBC
collimator 50 mm* EUKK-JHBC EUKS-JHBC EUPK-JHBC EUPS-JHBC
100 µJ 4 ns
None EUKK-N00C EUKS-N00C EUPK-N00C EUPS-N00C
Fiber pigtail 62.5-
core/125-clad EUKK-NQ0C EUKS-NQ0C EUPK-NQ0C EUPS-NQ0C
(0.27 NA) FC/PC
None Fiber pigtail 105-
core/125-clad EUKK-NR0C EUKS-NR0C EUPK -NR0C EUPS -NR0C
200 µm (0.22 NA) FC/PC
Fiber pigtail 200-
core (0.37 NA) EUKK-NT0C EUKS-NT0C EUPK-NT0C EUPS-NT0C
FC/PC
with 17x None EUKK-N0BC EUKS-N0BC EUPK-N0BC EUPS-N0BC
laser 21 mm EUKK-NCBC EUKS-NCBC EUPK-NCBC EUPS-NCBC
collimator 50 mm* EUKK-NHBC EUKS-NHBC EUPK-NHBC EUPS-NHBC
None EUMK-J00C EUMS-J00C EUQK-J00C EUQS-J00C
Fiber pigtail 62.5-
core/125-clad EUMK-JQ0C EUMS-JQ0C EUQK-JQ0C EUQS-JQ0C
(0.27 NA) FC/PC
None Fiber pigtail 105-
core/125-clad EUMK-JR0C EUMS-JR0C EUQK-JR0C EUQS-JR0C
75 µm (0.22 NA) FC/PC
Fiber pigtail 200-
core (0.37 NA) EUMK-JT0C EUMS-JT0C EUQK-JT0C EUQS-JT0C
FC/PC
with 17x None EUMK-J0BC EUMS-J0BC EUQK-J0BC EUQS-J0BC
laser 21 mm EUMK-JCBC EUMS-JCBC EUQK-JCBC EUQS-JCBC
collimator 50 mm* EUMK-JHBC EUMS-JHBC EUQK-JHBC EUQS-JHBC
300 µJ 4 ns
None EUMK-N00C EUMS-N00C EUQK-N00C EUQS-N00C
Fiber pigtail 62.5-
core/125-clad EUMK-NQ0C EUMS-NQ0C EUQK-NQ0C EUQS-NQ0C
(0.27 NA) FC/PC
None Fiber pigtail 105-
core/125-clad EUMK-NR0C EUMS-NR0C EUQK-NR0C EUQS-NR0C
200 µm (0.22 NA) FC/PC
Fiber pigtail 200-
core (0.37 NA) EUMK-NT0C EUMS-NT0C EUQK-NT0C EUQS-NT0C
FC/PC
with 17x None EUMK-N0BC EUMS-N0BC EUQK-N0BC EUQS-N0BC
laser 21 mm EUMK-NCBC EUMS-NCBC EUQK-NCBC EUQS-NCBC
collimator 50 mm* EUMK-NHBC EUMS-NHBC EUQK-NHBC EUQS-NHBC
None None EUNK-N00C EUNS-N00C EURK-N00C EURS-N00C
with 17x None EUNK-N0BC EUNS-N0BC EURK-N0BC EURS-N0BC
750 µJ 8 ns 200 µm
laser 21 mm EUNK-NCBC EUNS-NCBC EURK-NCBC EURS-NCBC
collimator 50 mm* EUNK-NHBC EUNS-NHBC EURK-NHBC EURS-NHBC
* PRELIMINARY
28
CONFIGURATION
ELECTRICAL
Block Diagram
29
LRF System Board User Interface (Hirose DF3-8P-2DS)
Pin Name In/Out Description Min Typ Max
1 LRF_RANGE Input Initiates range measurement when rising edge is detected on this pin. 3.3V
Output Laser gate signal to laser-diode driver board. Can be monitored or 3.3V
2 LASERGATE
actively driven.
3 LRF_ENABLE Input Active low enable. Pin pull up to 5V w/100 kΩ resistor. Pull low to enable LRF power.
4 NC NA No Connect NA
5 GND Input System Ground Ground
6 TX Output UART Transmit 3.3V
7 RX Input UART Receiver 3.3V
8 5V Input System Power Input 5V
Timing Diagrams
Power-up to Range Timing
30
SOFTWARE CONTROL
The LRF System-Integrator Kit can be easily programmed using the simple serial communications command set over
a simple serial UART interface.
User-programmable features include: ● time-variable threshold (TVT), used to reduce false alarms due to nearfield
scattering, ● time-over-threshold (TOT) range-walk compensation, used to reduce amplitude-dependent timing errors
● autocalibration, used to set the threshold to achieve a user-defined FAR given ambient background optical
radiation conditions ● multi-pulse processing, used to enhance range and resolution ● passive operation, used to
measure the pulse-repetition frequency of external lasers.
The available commands can be found in the Voxtel document: LRF Software ICD: Modules, Kits, and Components.
To configure and operate the LRF using a terminal emulator of a graphic user interface, see the Quick Start section of
the Voxtel document: LRF User Manual: Modules, Kits, and Components. These documents are shipped with the
product and are available at voxtel-inc.com. The website can also be used to download software to update device
drivers and firmware.
MECHANICAL DRAWINGS
LRF System Board
31
Ribbon Cable
32
1.5-MICRON
DIODE-PUMPED SOLID-STATE (DPSS)
SOLID-STATE
1534-NM PULSED MICRO-LASERS
PULSED LASERS
FEATURES
Eyesafe: Class-1
Typical Peak Power: to 120 kW
Excellent Beam Quality: M2 < 1.15 * DL
(where DL is the diffraction limit)
Narrow Pulse Width: 4 – 7 ns
Long Lifetime: > 50 million shots
Robust: Qualified for extreme military
and automotive environments
Wide Operating Temperature Rage: -
45 – 65 °C* (high-operating-temp.
options also available) with stable
pulse energy and wavelength output
MODELS
Voxtel’s high-peak-power lasers combine eyesafe-wavelength
30 kW (4-ns pulse length)
operation with high peak power, short pulse duration, and diffraction-
50 kW (7-ns pulse length)
limited beam quality to deliver unmatched size, weight, power, and
120 kW (5-ns pulse length)
cost (SWAP-C), range, and accuracy.
Many of today’s laser ranging products use near-infrared lasers that OPTIONS
emit in the 905-nm to 1064-nm-wavelength spectral range. When used T0 Pulse Detector
at the power levels needed by the application requirements, this Laser driver/system electronics
spectral range is not eyesafe, and a tradeoff is made between safety Integrated 17x-magnification
and performance. collimator (see below)
In contrast, Voxtel’s DPSS lasers operate at a 1534-nm wavelength. At
this wavelength, eyesafe laser ranging systems can be easily
configured without compromise to beam power or quality. This makes
laser ranging applications safer for customers.
The excellent beam quality and tight beam divergence of Voxtel’s
micro-lasers allow pulses with high-photon-flux density to be
transmitted down range to targets, which enables long-distance and
high-resolution ranging.
CONTACT INFO
The compact highly integrated laser transmitters are operational over
VOXTEL INC.
a wide temperature range, robust to the environment, gun-shock- 15985 NW SCHENDEL AVE #200
hardened, and qualified for a lifetime exceeding 50 million shots. To BEAVERTON, OR 97006
operate the laser safely, easy-to-configure pulse-driver electronics are 971-223-5642
available optionally. To simplify system integration, integrated 17x WWW.VOXTEL-INC.COM
collimating optics and T0 pulse detectors are also available optionally. SALES@VOXTEL-INC.COM
OPTIONS
Bare Laser with T0 Detector Integrated into Laser LAK0-EB0C LAM0-FB0C LAN0-FB0C
Trigger pulse voltage and duration 2 V; 100 ns 2 V; 100 ns 2 V; 100 ns
Dimensions 35.5 x 18.0 x 8.25 mm3 36.0 x 18.5 x 10.0 mm3 46.5 x 19 x 9.7 mm3
Weight 8.62 g
Bare Laser with 17X-Magnification Beam-Expanding/Collimating Optics
Beam divergence, full angle (1/e2) 0.7 mrad 0.5 mrad 0.4 mrad
Beam diameter 4.25 mm 5.10 mm 6.78 mm
Beam quality, typical (M2) 1.15 x DL 1.15 x DL 1.15 x DL
Dimensions (laser and collimator only) 67.0 x 26.0 x 25.0 mm3 76.0 x 26.0 x 25.0 mm3 86.0 x 26.0 x 25.0 mm3
Weight (laser and collimator only) 60 g 63 g 76 g
Bare Laser with Laser Pulse Driver [shipped with BNC cable for Laser Trigger and AC Wall Plug (USA) to 5 VDC Power Converter]
Input voltage 5V 5V 5V
Input current (peak during lasing) 1A 1A 1A
Input current average (1 Hz rate) 0.1 A 0.1 A 0.1 A
All values are at 25 °C unless stated otherwise.
ORDERING INFORMATION
1534-nm DPSS Laser Bare Laser Bare Laser w/T0 Detector Laser & Laser Driver Laser w/T0 Detector &
& U.FL Connector Board Laser Driver Board
30 kW LAK0-E00C LAK0-EB0C LAKK-E00C LAKK-EB0C
50 kW LAM0-F00C LAM0-FB0C LAMM-F00C LAMM-FB0C
120 kW LAN0-F00C LAN0-FB0C LANN-F00C LANN-FB0C
30 kW laser with 17X Collimator LAK0-E0BC LAK0-EBBC LAKK-E0BC LAKK-EBBC
50 kW laser with 17X Collimator LAM0-F0BC LAM0-FBBC LAMM-F0BC LAMM-FBBC
120 kW laser with 17X Collimator LAN0-F0BC LAN0-FBBC LANN-F0BC LANN-FBBC
34
PERFORMANCE (TYPICAL)
Spectral Line Width (0.010 nm) at 35 °C (left) and Center Wavelength vs. Temperature (right)
LAK0-E00C (30-kW Laser)
35
MECHANICAL
36
DPSS Lasers with Integrated T0 Detectors
37
DPSS Lasers Integrated with 17x Collimating Optics
38
Laser Driver Boards
30-kW Laser Driver Board (WLK00)
39
ELECTRICAL
J4 Connector on Laser Driver Board
Pin Name I/O Description Min Typical Max Units
1 PUSH_BUTTON Input Momentary switch input. Used to connect/disconnect battery (optional). 3.3 3.3 5 V
2,4 VIN_USER Input User Supplied DC Power. Current draw is 1A during laser driver charging 2.7* 5 5.5 ma
Laser driver capacitor charge enable.
3 EN_LDD Input 3.3 3.3 5 V
Enable high between ranges; low during ranging.
5 BATT_V Output Battery monitor. Tracks voltage on LiPO battery (optional) 2.7 3.7 4.2 V
6, 8 GND Input Ground GND V
7 LASERGATE Input Laser trigger activates/terminates laser diode pump source (typ. 2.5 ms max) 3.3 3.3 5 V
9 EN_CHRG Input Battery charger enable. Activates/terminates battery charging (optional) 3.3 3.3 5 V
10 5V_OUT Output Output from DC boost circuit. Powers system board (optional) 3.3 5V 5 V
11 BATT_STAT0 Output Battery status indicator 0 (optional) 2.9 3.3 5 V
12 BATT_STAT1 Output Battery status indicator 1 (optional) 2.9 3.3 5 V
Cable (Provided with Laser Driver Board) Connecting BNC (for Laser Trigger) and 5V Power Supply to J4
Connector on Laser Driver Board
Connected
Pin Name Description Min Typical Max Units
to
BNC
1 Laser Gate J4; Pin 7 Laser trigger activates/terminates laser diode pump source, typ. 2.5 ms max 3.3 3.3 5 V
Shield GND J4; Pin 6 Ground GND
Power
Pin BATT_V J4, Pin 2 Battery monitor. Tracks voltage on LiPO battery (optional) 2.7 3.7 4.2 V
Shield GND J4, Pin 8 Ground GND V
U.FL Cable (Provided with 50 kW Laser with External T0 Detector Lid) for T0 Electrical Output
Pin Name Description Min Typical Max Units
Center
SIGNAL External T0 Detector Signal 1.1 2.5 3.5 V
Pin
Shield GND Ground GND V
40
ROXTM INGAAS AVALANCHE LASER RANGING
PHOTODIODE (APD) AND LIDAR
PHOTORECEIVERS PHOTORECEIVERS
41
Specifications
Performance RUC1-JIAC RUC1-NIAC RUC1-KIAC
Spectral response,1 λ 950 nm – 1700 nm
Optical collection-area diameter2 75 μm 200 μm 250 μm3
APD diameter2 75 μm 200 μm 75 μm
Noise equivalent input (NEI)1,4,5,6,7 45 photons 45 photons 45 photons
Photon equivalent sensitivity4,8 245 photons 290 photons 245 photons
Noise equivalent power1,6,7,9 0.20 nW 0.45 nW 0.20 nW
Range precision1,4,6,10 50 mm 60 mm 50 mm
Target pair resolution1,10 5 meters 5 meters 5 meters
Bandwidth1,11 275 MHz 257 MHz 275 MHz
Cuton frequency11 4.74 kHz 4.66 kHz 4.52 kHz
APD gain (M)1 1 – 20 1 – 20 1 – 20
APD responsivity (M = 1)6 1.1 A/W 1.1 A/W 1.1 A/W
APD excess noise (M = 10)1,12,13 3.50 3.50 3.50
Maximum instantaneous optical power1,6,14 6 MW/cm2
Factory-calibrated Operating START Pulse Length Program Description
Modes15,16
1 125 µs ±10 µs M=1
2 150 µs ±10 µs Optimal gain for ~10 – 350-Hz FAR (calibrated at 150-Hz FAR)
3 200 µs ±10 µs Optimal gain to achieve best NEI at each temperature
4 175 µs ±10 µs Not specified or custom configured17
Digital Output2
Comparator threshold useable range 0.45 V – 1.0 V
Time-variable threshold (TVT) decay time 2.6 μs
Dynamic range, linear 25 dB
Dynamic range, total 70 dB
Analog Output1,2,4,12,18
Max small signal responsivity19 8,620 kV/W 8,620 kV/W 8,620 kV/W
Analog output noise 1.07 mV RMS 1.37 mV RMS 1.07 mV RMS
Analog output swing 0.186 V 0.186 V 0.186 V
Analog output dynamic range 7.4 bits 7.1 bits 7.4 bits
Power Requirements—Threshold Levels2
Low-voltage circuits, 1.8 V APD supply 8.1 mA
Low-voltage circuits, 5 V APD supply 1.5 mA
High-voltage (HV) circuits, < 63 V APD supply 2.2 mA
Power consumption, standby/ranging (HV off/HV on) 22 mW / 154 mW
Environmental1
Operational temperature range -50 °C to +85 °C
1 Sampled from manufacturing data 9 20-ns pulse length 16 All parts temperature-compensated for
(available upon request) 10 5x NEI photon pulse amplitude performance over op. temp. range;
2 Based on eng. design analysis supported 11 Bandwidth over which conversion gain is beyond this range, analytical
by experimental data greater than 200 kV/W (at M = 10) approximations are used to compensate
3 At input to hemispheric BK7 immersion 12 Gain: M = 10 photoreceiver for optimal performance
(500 µm dia.) lens 13 keff < 0.18 parameterization of McIntyre 17 At high temp in constant responsivity mode
4 4-ns pulse length Equation: F(M) = keff M + (1 – keff)(2 – 1/M) dark counts may saturate the receiver
5 Optimal gain 14 Gain of M = 1 18 50Ω load
6 1534-nm spectral response 15 Specifications are included w/Cert. of 19 Gain of M = 20 is assumed
7 25 °C Conformance w/each APD
8 60-Hz FAR, 50% PDE
42
Typical Performance—Pulse
Sensitivity vs. Pulse Width
43
Ordering Information
Standalone/Integrated Receivers
In addition to the standalone TO-8 packages*, the ROX InGaAs APD Photoreceivers are available integrated
with fiber or integrated with time-of-flight (TOF) and control electronics. These options are also available
without receiver integration—as standalone support components.
Standalone Support Component (TO-8 Packaged APD Receiver Not Included)) Part Number
Photoreceiver evaluation board WRR0A
Photoreceiver socket board with Time-of-flight & control electronics** EU0K-X00C
** This is equivalent to the TOF & Control Electronics option above (see Standalone/Integrated Receivers‖) without the TO-8 Packaged APD
Receiver above (see Standalone/Integrated Receivers*).
44
Collection Efficiency—With 250-µm Immersion-lensed APD (RUC1-KIAC)
Collection efficiency as a function of APD center offset from optical axis is shown for various f-numbers—
including bare APD (i.e., with no hemisphere; labelled “no HS” in graph)—for a 250-µm-collection-area
immersion-lensed APD:
MECHANICAL
45
ELECTRICAL
Block Diagram
Pinout
The TO-8 package has 12 pins: six user-required inputs, a differential signal output pair, a bias monitor point for built-in
test, a buffered analog output signal, and two calibration and servicing points. These last two pins can be used to
custom-configure and calibrate the photoreceiver.
INPUT
2 VCMOS2 Power supply +5 VDC Provides power to the microcontroller, EEPROM, APD bias controller, <1% ripple
input and related electronics. The APD receives the bias voltage only when
VAPD (Pin 10) and VCMOS2 are applied.
3 VCMOS1 Power supply +1.8 VDC Provides power to the ASIC. <1% ripple
input
4 START User input +5 V TTL The rising edge of this pulse initiates photoreceiver operation; the pulse
pulse width determines photoreceiver program mode. This command is
used to update the APD bias using the factory calibration settings.
7 μDATA Optional input 5 V TTL This data line—used by the microcontroller to communicate with other
(otherwise left internal inter-integrated circuit (I2C) devices and related hardware—is
floating) used primarily for factory configuration, calibration, or servicing. Except
during in-field user calibration or remote servicing, this pin should be
left floating.
8 Vth User input 0.4 to 1 V This user-supplied threshold voltage reference is used by the pulse- Do not
detection circuit to detect the threshold pulse. Generally, the level exceed
chosen is one that maximizes pulse-detection efficiency (PDE) and 1.8 V
minimizes FAR.
10 VAPD User input +60 VDC This user-supplied high-voltage level is used by the APD bias controller <1% ripple
to generate conditioned APD bias voltage.
11 Agnd User input GND Used to provide external ground for analog and digital circuitry inside
receiver. Use 50Ω termination at input to next stage amplifier or
oscilloscope.
12 μCLK Optional input 5V TTL This clock line for the microcontroller’s I2C port is used: by the I2C logic
(otherwise left microcontroller inside the photoreceiver to communicate with other
floating) internal I2C devices; and at the factory for test and calibration. Except
for custom photoreceiver programming, diagnostics, or operational
built-in test, this pin should be left floating to ensure it remains
accessible to the microcontroller.
OUTPUT
1 SigMon Analog This analog signal output—which is output from the transimpedance
output amplifier (TIA)—maintains the receiver’s full linear dynamic range and
sensitivity; it is designed to drive a 50-Ω load impedance and has a DC
offset of ~100 mV. If not used in operations, this pin should be left
floating.
5 Sig(-) Signal output 0 to This signal output is the negative of the photoreceiver’s differential Assumes high
+1.8 V digital output. When the amplified pulse-echo signal exceeds the user- impedance
supplied Vth threshold reference (Pin 8), this output transitions to a low load
state. An internal 500-Ω resistor is in series with this output.
6 Sig(+) Signal output 0 to This signal output complements the Sig(-) signal output (Pin 5). Assumes high
+1.8 V Normally, this pin is set to the low state, and—upon pulse-echo impedance
detection—it transitions to a high state, much like the internal 500-Ω load
resistor in this series.
9 BiasMon Bias test point Current-monitor test point; used for factory test and calibration. Except
for diagnostics or built-in tests to verify the APD output or determine the
APD gain, this pin should be left floating.
46
ROX PHOTORECEIVER OPERATION
Provisioning Power
When VCMOS1, VCMOS2, and VAPD are applied, the microcontroller starts its clock, enters the run state, measures the APD
temperature, sets the APD gain to M = 1 (mode 1), then enters the sleep state. These biases may be applied to the
chip in any order without risking any damage to the receiver. The photoreceiver is then ready to operate and will begin
to detect pulses upon receipt of the range command.
where Vth,hi is the initial threshold value, and Vth,lo is the final desired threshold value.
47
desired avalanche gain using the most recent temperature measurement. Provided that the user-supplied bias (VAPD)
is present at the appropriate input pin of the photoreceiver, the microcontroller sends a signal to the 10-bit digital-to-
analog converter (DAC), which biases the input to the APD bias controller. The bias controller amplifies the input
voltage from the DAC by a factor of 30 and applies it to the APD. The DAC provides a maximum APD bias voltage
variation of 146 mV.
to achieve stable operating and to avoid damage to the APD, the START command should be sent regularly during
operation—preferably before every measurement taken. The breakdown voltage of the APD changes about 33
mV/°C. Avalanche gain drops as temperature rises, and rises as temperature drops. Thus, updating the APD bias
regularly with the factory temperature-calibrated APD bias settings allows stable photoreceiver operation.
Due to temperature-dependent APD gain, if the START command is not used to calibrate the APD for the ambient
temperature, the APD may be caused to be biased above the breakdown voltage, which will cause damage to the
detector. This can occur, for instance, when the APD is calibrated last at a high operating temperature, and is not
updated using the START command as the operating temperature drops. As the APD gain increases at colder
temperatures, the APD can then enter into avalanche breakdown, which will damage the APD. Thus, periodic update
of the calibration is required using the START command.
48
measured count rate at each bias, is fit to a cumulative distribution function (CDF) of a normal distribution. The photon
count of the normal distribution that results in the best fit to the measured values, is the noise equivalent input (NEI).
The NEI measured at each avalanche gain is calculated over the temperature range, and the gain values that result
in the lowest NEI are stored in each ROX APD photoreceiver after factory calibration.
Constant Responsivity (Normalized to the Gain that Results in the Best NEI at 25 °C): The calibration for this operating
mode is similar to those above. However, rather than optimizing the gain for each temperature, the APD gain that
allows for the best NEI at 25 °C is determined, and the APD gain is compensated at each operating temperature so
that responsivity is constant over the operating temperature range. The constant responsivity mode reaches saturation
at high and low operating temperatures, so the constant responsivity is achieved over a smaller temperature range
than the specified receiver operating temperature range.
RANGE PRECISION
Using the speed of light, lidar sensors calculate the distance of an object using the equation: Range = (Speed of light
× time of flight of laser pulse) ÷ 2. The range precision can be calculated similarly. For example, achieving a 2-cm
range precision requires timestamps with resolution of about 133 ps.
To maximize performance over a wide dynamic range, the photoreceiver is configured with a leading-edge pulse-
discriminating detection circuit. The ASIC’s comparator receives the input optical pulse, then—when the leading edge
of the pulse crosses the input threshold voltage value (Vth,int)—generates a signal. In the absence of noise and amplitude
variations, the leading-edge discriminator marks the arrival time of each analog pulse with precision and consistency.
Electronic noise causes an uncertainty—or jitter—when the analog pulse crosses the discriminator threshold, which
determines the range precision. In general, higher operating gain and larger signals result in better timing precision.
PULSE-PAIR RESOLUTION
Pulse-pair resolution is defined here as the minimum time between target returns that can be recorded. The ROX
generates a minimum output pulse width of 7 nanoseconds, which—in combination with the time-to-digital converter
(TDC)—limits the pulse-pair resolution to no better than about 0.5 meters. Voxtel designed the ROX photoreceiver to
accommodate optical power levels varying up to 70 dB. In this range, the photoreceiver recovers from a pulse within
70 ns (about 10 meters), and is again ready to receive optical pulses. Over the linear part of the response—when the
analog signal is not saturated, about 20 dB—the pulse-pair resolution is better than 5 meters.
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received, range-walk errors due to signal strength can seriously degrade the timing accuracy. Thus, to ensure
accurate range timing, range walk must be minimized or eliminated. To mitigate the effects of range walk, the ROX
includes a time-over-threshold (TOT) feature, where the times of the pulse’s leading-edge and falling-edge threshold
crossings are used to compute the TOT. To calculate TOT, the time of the leading-edge event is subtracted from that
of the falling-edge event; the resulting TOT is proportional to the pulse amplitude. To mitigate range-walk errors
resulting from variations in pulse signal strength, TOT can be calibrated for the range of anticipated pulse amplitudes.
Range-walk error and TOT at the output of the receiver is shown as a function of the input signal amplitude.
The range walk (time walk) and measured digital output pulse width (time over threshold) plotted as a function of
input signal pulse amplitude. The plot shows values corrected using a bilinear approximation and using a calibrated
look-up table. Here, the bilinear equations are y = -0.234x – 15.79 for TOT values below 27 ns, and y = -0.035x – 9.11
for TOT values higher than 27 ns.
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APD PHOTORECEIVER AND LASER RANGING CONTROL
ELECTRONICS
FEATURES
Low Excess Noise: Impact-
ionization engineered InGaAs APD
Excellent NEI: as low as 45 photons
Factory Calibration: Each receiver
calibrated for optimal operation
over the full temperature range
Voxtel’s APD Receiver and Laser Ranging Control Electronics gives Easily Configured: Software
system designers a turnkey laser-ranging solution for thermal, electro- commands for single-pulse and
optical, and optical scope integration. Included are Voxtel’s ROX™ multi-pulse operation, time-
avalanche photodiode (APD) photoreceiver—which offers best-in- variable threshold, and automatic
class sensitivity, enabling long-standoff range performance with less background compensation
laser pulse energy—paired with Voxtel’s programmable time-to-digital
converter (TDC) and programmable controller board, which can be OPTIONS
used to control a user-provided laser. The result is a compact, Turnkey Laser Rangefinder (LRF)
lightweight highly-reliable ranging module with excellent Modules: Available as original
performance. equipment manufacturer (OEM)
Each is factory calibrated. To provide optimal performance over modules or as robust electro-
a -50 °C to +85 °C temperature range, four operating modes are optical assemblies
included: bias for best noise equivalent input (NEI) operation; bias for System-Integrator Kits: Available
optimal sensitivity for a 10-Hz to 350-Hz false alarm rate (FAR); stable with integrated DPSS laser
photoreceiver responsivity; and stable gain (M = 1). Programming is Auxiliary Boards: Including AHRS
made easily using commands from a flexible serial communications and Bluetooth communications
library, communicated over a simple serial UART interface.
Other user-programmable features include: ● time-variable-threshold
(TVT), used to reduce false alarms due to nearfield scattering, ●
time-over-threshold (TOT) range walk correction, used to reduce CONTACT INFO
amplitude-dependent range-walk errors ● autocalibration, used to set
the threshold to achieve a user-defined FAR given ambient VOXTEL INC.
background optical radiation conditions ● multi-pulse processing, 15985 NW SCHENDEL AVE #200
used to enhance range and resolution ● passive operation, used to BEAVERTON, OR 97006
measure the pulse-repetition frequency of external lasers. 971-223-5642
WWW.VOXTEL-INC.COM
The APD Receiver with Laser Ranging Control Electronics can SALES@VOXTEL-INC.COM
optionally include a Voxtel-provided diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS)
laser or photoreceiver optics. Also available is an optional auxiliary
board that includes an integrated attitude and heading reference
system (AHRS) module with a 9-axis IMU and a Bluetooth low-energy
communications module.
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SPECIFICATIONS
APD Receiver and Laser Ranging Control Electronics EU0K-N00C EU0K-J00C
Voxtel APD photoreceiver model number RUC1-NIAC RUC1-JIAC
APD collection aperture 200 µm 75 µm
Noise equivalent input1 45 photons 45 photons
Total dynamic range 70 dB
Linear dynamic range 25 dB
APD gain range (M) 1 – 20
APD responsivity2 (M = 1) 1.1 A/W
Number of returns per pulse, maximum3 20
Target separation, minimum4 5m
Range precision (single-pulse/multi-pulse)5,6 500 mm / 100 mm
Minimum range7 20 m
Power consumption, LRF disabled < 1 mW
Power consumption, standby 250 mW
Power consumption, 1-Hz continuous ranging8 800 mW 800 mW
Timing, power-on to standby 45 ms
Timing, standby to range 180 ms
Communications interface Serial commands, UART 3.3V CMOS Logic
Analog signal max 3V
Weight (all components: ROX InGaAs APD Photoreceiver mounted on 18.9 g
Socket Board, LRF System Board, and 2” Flex Ribbon Connector)
Operating humidity (relative humidity) 90%
Operating temperature -50 °C to +85 °C
Storage temperature -55 °C to +100 °C
CONFIGURATION
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Connector Pin Assignments
LRF System Board User Interface (Hirose DF3-8P-2DS)
Pin Name In/Out Description Min Typ Max
Input Initiates a range measurement when a rising edge is 3.3 V
1 LRF_RANGE detected on this pin.
Output Laser gate signal to the laser diode driver board. This can 3.3 V
2 LASERGATE be monitored or actively driven.
Input Active low enable. Pin pulled up to 5V with 100 kΩ resistor.
3 LRF_ENABLE Pull low to enable LRF power.
4 NC NA No Connect NA
5 GND Input System Ground Ground
6 TX Output UART Transmit 3.3V
7 RX Input UART Receiver 3.3V
8 5V Input System Power Input 5V
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Timing Diagrams
Power-up to Range Timing
SOFTWARE CONTROL
The APD Receiver and Laser Ranging Control Electronics can be easily programmed using the simple serial
communications command set over a simple serial UART interface.
User-programmable features include: ● time-variable threshold (TVT), used to reduce false alarms due to nearfield
scattering, ● time-over-threshold (TOT) range-walk compensation, used to reduce amplitude-dependent timing errors
● autocalibration, used to set the threshold to achieve a user-defined FAR given ambient background optical
radiation conditions ● multi-pulse processing, used to enhance range and resolution ● passive operation, used to
measure the pulse-repetition frequency of external lasers.
The available commands can be found in the Voxtel document: LRF Software ICD: Modules, Kits, and Components.
To configure and operate the LRF using a terminal emulator of a graphic user interface, see the Quick Start section of
the Voxtel document: LRF User Manual: Modules, Kits, and Components. These documents are shipped with the
product and are available at voxtel-inc.com. The website can also be used to download software to update device
drivers and firmware.
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MECHANICAL DRAWINGS
LRF System Board
Ribbon Cable
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ROX™ APD PHOTORECEIVER EVALUATION BOARD
The ROXTM APD Photoreceiver Evaluation Board—a peripheral option designed for use with the ROX photoreceivers—
allows users to quickly evaluate the performance of the ROX photoreceivers. The evaluation board is delivered with
an AC-to-DC power adaptor that provides all the power, control, and signal conditioning needed to operate the
ROX photoreceiver, and with hardware that allows the board to be mounted on an optical table for evaluation. To
select the photoreceiver operating mode, a simple dual-in-line plug (DIP) connector is used. To adjust the threshold
voltage setting, a potentiometer is used. The evaluation board also accommodates time-variable threshold.
SPECIFICATIONS
Connector
Digital Output
J4 SMA connector CMOS logic signal
J3 3-pin connector Digital pulse detection: center pin is ground; outer 2 pins are +/- signal, 3.3V LVDS
Analog Output
J2 SMA connector Buffered analog signal (50Ωload, 160 mV max signal)
Analog Input
J6 SMA connector T0 trigger; 5V logic
Power
J800 Barrel-pin jack +5V ±3% power board is shipped w/suitable power adapter
Programming
SW1-SW4 Push-button switches Activates individual photoreceiver operating modes.
SW5 Push-button switch Enables setting of Vth,lo
J7 Two-pin header Enables optical T0 initiation of TVT when jumper is used to short Pin 2 and Pin 3
Enables external electrical T0 when Pin 1 is connected to Pin 2
Disables TVT function when jumper is removed
Control
R20 Potentiometer Vth,lo control [set with SW5 enabled (pressed down)]
R35 Potentiometer Vth,hi control
R905 Potentiometer Factory pre-set—do not use
R906 Potentiometer Factory pre-set—do not use; controls the high voltage for the APD*
* The ROX receiver contains an internal voltage regulator that sets the actual APD bias voltage.
ORDERING INFORMATION
Part Number
ROX™ APD Photoreceiver Evaluation Board WRR0A
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Facilities
VoxtelOpto’s corporate headquarters are located in our 18,000‐sq.‐ft. facility in
Beaverton, Oregon with research labs in both Corvallis and Eugene, Oregon. Our cross‐
functional group of scientists, engineers and management professionals—over 80% of
whom hold advanced degrees—includes device‐design experts, process‐development
engineers, integrated circuit designers, systems engineers, and test and integration
experts.
15985 NW Schendel Ave., Beaverton, OR 97006 | phone: (971) 223‐5642 | web: voxtel‐inc.com
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