Infineon and pmd have been successfully active with its 3D ToF sensor technology in the mobile device market for four years. Already at the CES 2020 in Las Vegas, the two companies introduced the world’s smallest (4.4 mm x 5.1 mm) yet most powerful 3D image sensor with VGA resolution. It meets highest requirements for face authentication, enhanced photo features and authentic augmented reality experiences.

"Today, the smartphone is more than just an information medium; it is increasingly taking over security and entertainment functions," says Andreas Urschitz, Division President Power Management & Multimarket. "3D sensors enable new uses and additional applications such as secured authentication or payment by facial recognition. We continue to focus on this market and have clear growth targets. The collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies on reference designs using REAL3 image sensors underscores the potential and our ambitions in this area." Infineon develops the 3D ToF sensor technology in cooperation with the software and 3D time-of-flight system specialist pmdtechnologies ag.

Starting in March 2020, Infineon's REAL3 ToF sensor will enable the video bokeh function for the first time in a 5G-capable smartphone for optimal image effects even in moving images. Using the precise 3D point cloud algorithm and software, the received 3D image data is processed for the application.

The 3D image sensor captures 940 nm infrared light reflected from the user and the scanned objects. It also uses high-level data processing to achieve accurate depth measurements. The patented SBI (Suppression of Background Illumination) technology from pmd offers a wide dynamic measuring range for any lighting situation, from bright sunlight to dimly lit rooms. This ensures the highest possible robustness without loss of data processing quality.