Optical distance sensor

 IFM Electronic was the recipient of the €100 000 technology prize at the Hannover Fair 2005. The company received the award for its optical distance sensor using photonic mixer device (PMD) technology. The efector PMD distance measuring system deploys the echo light location technique to determine the distance between itself and an object. Both the light receptor and signal processing system are integrated on a single chip. This low-cost, high-precision sensor element contains the first on-chip, time-of-flight measurement system with industrial feasibility. The system can serve as the basis for the development of new 3D-applications. The innovation supports improved auto safety, such as providing fast identification of possible dangers of an active safety mechanism.

Contact Chris Huxham, Shorrock Automation, Tel (012) 345-4449,
sales@shorrock.co.za