CH-201 MEMS Sonar‑On‑Chip ToF Sensor Delivers 5‑Meter Range for Advanced Room‑Scale Applications

Chirp Microsystems’ CH‑201 MEMS sonar‑on‑chip time‑of‑flight (ToF) sensor extends the SmartSonic MEMS ultrasonic platform with a reliable 5‑meter range, making it ideal for room‑scale applications such as range finding, presence and proximity sensing, object detection/avoidance, and 3‑D position tracking.

The CH‑201 houses a miniature ultrasonic transducer that emits a precise pulse and listens for the returning echo. By measuring the ToF, the sensor calculates the distance to any target and triggers pre‑programmed actions. All of this is performed on a compact 3.5 × 3.5 × 1.25 mm package that integrates a low‑power DSP and a custom mixed‑signal CMOS ASIC.

Key specifications include an operating range from 20 cm to 5 m, fast and accurate distance measurements regardless of target size, and the ability to detect objects of any color—including transparent materials. The field of view is fully configurable up to 180°, and the sensor can sample up to 100 Hz. Range noise is 0.2 mm RMS at 1 mm and typically 1 mm.

Its ultralow power design allows true always‑on sensing in battery‑powered devices. At a sampling rate of 1 Hz, the CH‑201 consumes just 15 µW at a 1 m range and 27 µW at 4 m. Increasing to 25 Hz raises consumption to 180 µW at 1 m and 500 µW at 4 m.

The CH‑201 is now shipping to selected OEMs and will be available worldwide in the second quarter of 2020.