Automotive qualified IR VCSELs

Stanley Electric has developed IR VCSELs to be used as a new sensing light source for automotive applications (AEC-Q102 compliant). A VCSEL(Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) is a device mounted on a board whose light source is a vertical emitting laser.

Article of IR VCSELs (PDF) Click to discover our lineup World's first mass production shipment of high-power infrared VCSELs for automotive applications

In order for cars to become a safer, more comfortable means of transportation, automotive applications are continuing to evolve with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), or autonomous driving technology. Infrared light is used inside the vehicle to monitor the driver and the passengers, and the demand for such light source in changing according to each applications' evolution. We added IR VCSELs to our lineup to satisfy our customers's needs with an optimal solution.

| Automotive applications that use infrared light sources |

Automotive applications that use infrared light sources

The superiority of VCSEL light source

Benefit of Stanley Electric's VCSEL

As a sensing light source, comparing VCSELs to LEDs leads to the differences listed below.

Light distribution control suitable for the angle of view of the camera

VCSELs are surface-mounted lasers that emit in the vertical direction. Since there is little light leaking in the horizontal direction, it is possible to control the light distribution suitable for the angle of view of the camera, such as a rectangular irradiation image.

| LED and VCSEL light distribution example |

LED and VCSEL light distribution example

| Application example (DMS) |

Application example (DMS)

Good compatibility with bandpass filters

Generally, in automotive applications, a bandpass filter (a filter that cuts a specific wavelength) is attached to the sensor to prevent noise caused by sunlight during sensing. Compared to LEDs, VCSELs have a narrower wavelength spectrum and smaller changes in wavelength due to temperature, resulting in less light loss due to filters. As a result, the light from the VCSEL reaches the sensor efficiently.

| Use of bandpass filter |

Use of bandpass filter

| Responsiveness when the product is lit with pulsed current |

Responsiveness when the product is lit with pulsed current

High-speed pulsed lighting is possible

VCSELs are characterized by a fast rising / falling response speed when lit with pulsed current. Since the pulse lighting interval can be accelerated, it is suitable as a light source for TOF cameras (using the flight time of light for observation) that requires high-speed sensing.

By using a VCSEL as a light source, it can be combined with a high-resolution and high-speed TOF sensor.

・High distance resolution
・Hand and finger movements are also captured clearly
・Low time lag detection

Stanley Electric's IR VCSEL's features

Devices used in automotive in-cabin applications are required to have stable quality even in harsh environments. Stanley Electric has developed a highly heat-dissipating / highly reliable VCSEL device using the packaging technology cultivated with high-power LEDs for headlamps, etc., and has achieved the automotive standard AEC-Q102. In addition, we have obtained a light distribution according to each application by using light distribution control technology, which is our strength that has handled light for various purposes such as lamps and lighting.

| Consolidating Stanley Electric's |

Consolidating Stanley Electric's

IR VCSEL product lineup

There are two types of products with different light distribution as standard products, and we will further expand the lineup in the future. Regarding eye safety, all products are safety standard class 1 of IEC60825-1 & CFR Part1040.10, and are designed so that there is no problem even if they emit light towards people.

Name UDN1ZE65 UEN1ZEA9 UEN1ZA9 UGN1ZEEA
850nm type
Items
Wavelength 940nm 850nm
Light output(※) 2.1W 3.0W 3.0W 10.1W 3.0W
Forward current (IF) 2.7A 4.0A 4.0A 6.0A 4.0A
Light distribution (FOI) 60 ✕ 45deg. 110 ✕ 85deg. 110 ✕ 85deg. 140 ✕ 110deg. 110 ✕ 85deg.
Size (L x W x H) 3.5 ✕ 3.5 ✕ 1.2 mm 3.5 ✕ 3.5 ✕ 1.2 mm
Click here for details

(※ Ta=25℃、0.3μsec lit with pulsed current)

Stanley Electric also has a rich lineup of infrared LEDs for sensing / monitoring applications.
If you have any requests or questions, please feel free to contact us.

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