Sony Unveils 20fps SPAD Sensor for Automotive LiDAR

ATSUGI, Japan - Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation announced that it will release a depth sensor for automotive LiDAR systems, with sample shipments planned for autumn 2025.

The IMX479 stacked SPAD depth sensor operates at frame rates of up to 20 frames per second, featuring 520 direct Time of Flight pixels, according to the company.

Sony stated that this frame rate represents what it considers the fastest performance for a SPAD depth sensor with this pixel resolution, according to the company's research.

The device employs a direct Time of Flight measurement methodology to calculate distances by measuring the time it takes for light to travel from the source to the object and back to the detector.

The sensor incorporates 3×3 SPAD pixels as the minimum element units, utilizing a line scan methodology, Sony said.

Sony reported that the sensor achieves a 37 percent photon detection efficiency at a 940-nanometer wavelength and can detect objects at distances of up to 300 meters.

The company stated that the device maintains functionality in ambient light conditions exceeding 100,000 lux.

Distance resolution reaches 5-centimeter intervals through circuits that process individual SPAD pixel data, according to Sony.

The company stated that it developed the device utilizing technologies from CMOS image sensor development, including a back-side illuminated stacked structure and copper-copper connections.

The sensor contains 105 × 1,568 effective SPAD pixels, totaling approximately 164,000 pixels in a 15.8-millimeter diagonal configuration.

The pixel size measures 10 micrometers square. The device operates on power supply voltages ranging from -20.5 volts to 3.3 volts and utilizes a MIPI CSI-2 serial output with a four-lane interface.

Sony has indicated that the sensor targets advanced driver assistance systems and automated driving applications, where LiDAR technology detects road conditions and objects, including vehicles and pedestrians.

The company noted demand for LiDAR advancement toward Level 3 automated driving systems.

Chip dimensions measure 12.2 millimeters horizontally by 20.0 millimeters vertically.

Sample pricing is set at JPY 35,000, including tax, with variations based on order quantities, Sony said.

The company stated it had developed a mechanical scanning LiDAR evaluation unit with the sensor for customer and partner testing.