A Range Finding Array Sensor Performing Correlated Calculations with a PN Code Modulation Light

A range finding array sensor with correlated calculation functions in each pixel using a PN (Pseudo Noise) coded modulation light source has been developed. The pixel of the sensor has a photodiode with an active load, high pass filters, amplifiers, a correlation integrator, a time difference (DeltaT) detector and a DeltaT -Voltage converter, and can perform parallel range finding operations. The high pass filters reduce a background light resulting in realizing a robust range finding system. The sensor does not need mechanical light scanning components. The sensor with 54 times 48 pixels has been fabricated by a 0.18 mum 2P3M CMOS technology. The range resolution of the sensor is about 1 cm.