The intelligentization process of AIoT devices has evolved from simple "trigger by sensing" to "understanding of the environment". The technical routes of the perception layer exhibit a feature of coexistence of multiple options: The infrared solution has lower cost and power consumption, and is widely used in simple obstruction detection scenarios; The ultrasonic solution has strong penetration and is suitable for some industrial and ranging scenarios; The continuous-wave ranging has higher accuracy, but has relatively higher power consumption and is not friendly to battery-powered devices. The dToF technology path provides balanced options between accuracy, power consumption and anti-interference ability. The Sensor Division of Shengyin Technology Co., Ltd., under Shengyin Microelectronics, has launched the i2001 dToF chip, which is a systematic optimization for the diversified needs of the AIoT perception layer. 

I. Technical Architecture: Integrated Sensing Capability on a Single Chip

The i2001 integrates the SPAD receiving array, high-precision TDC, and processing circuit onto a single chip, thereby achieving technical advantages in terms of accuracy, energy efficiency, and ease of development.

1. Precise and Reliable Distance Measurement

Based on the dToF principle, the distance is calculated by measuring the flight time of the light pulse. The measurement result is less sensitive to changes in the color, material, and surface reflectivity of the target object, and it also has the ability to suppress ambient light, making it suitable for various lighting scenarios such as smart bathrooms and outdoor equipment. 

The above parameter combination enables the device not only to determine "whether there is a person", but also to obtain precise distance information and behavioral posture data.

2. Energy efficiency design for battery-powered scenarios

The power consumption performance of i2001 under different working modes is as follows:

· Light sensing mode: 23 μA @ 4Hz sampling frequency

· Active mode: 160 μA

This power consumption level enables battery-powered devices such as sensor faucets and intelligent door locks to have long-term battery life, providing a feasible path for the application of high-performance sensing solutions in low-power scenarios.

3. Simplified development and production process

Built-in one-click calibration algorithm, batch programming on the production line does not require manual debugging for each device. Supports flexible architecture with an external MCU option, can run independently or work collaboratively with the main controller.

II. Three major solution approaches: from parameter indicators to commercial value

The transmitter design of i2001 is compatible with both VCSEL and infrared LED light sources, and can be flexibly configured according to the scene requirements to form differentiated solutions. 

Solution 1: Split architecture for dirty environments (external VCSEL driver)

Background: In practical use of smart bathroom equipment, there is an engineering problem where sensor windows are covered by dirt. In this scenario, the integrated packaging solution needs to consider additional protective design.

Solution: i2001 supports the physical separation deployment of the transmitting and receiving ends. The VCSEL can be installed in a location less prone to dirt, and the SPAD receiving end body is made waterproof and sealed, placed in a clean area. When the receiving window is moderately contaminated, the chip can compensate through algorithms and still maintain stable operation.

Applicable scenarios: Smart toilets, sensor trash cans, hand dryers

Typical power consumption: 33μA @ 0.4Hz polling frequency

Core value: Extend equipment lifespan, reduce maintenance frequency

Solution 2: Ultra-low power trigger solution (dToF + infrared LED)

Background: Battery-powered devices such as sensor faucets and soap dispensers have strict power consumption requirements and need to balance trigger accuracy.

Solution: i2001 maintains ranging accuracy and environmental light suppression performance at a low power level. Its highly sensitive SPAD receiving end supports replacing VCSEL with an infrared LED as the light source, effectively reducing BOM costs while ensuring performance.

Applicable scenarios: Smart faucets, sensor soap dispensers, urinal flushing

Typical power consumption: 33μA @ 10Hz

Core value: Balance low power consumption, high-precision trigger, and BOM simplification

Solution 3: Intelligent upgrade solution for the existing market (economical packaging)

Background: There is a large demand for upgrading infrared tube schemes in the existing market such as office lighting, advertisement machine wake-up, and industrial line counting, which is highly sensitive to cost.

Solution: i2001 provides bare Die and COB packaging options, effectively reducing packaging costs. The packaging size is close to the infrared tube, with significant performance improvement, and the development process is simple.

Applicable scenarios: Automatic lighting control, advertisement machine wake-up, industrial line counting

Core value: Size compatibility, performance leap, low development threshold 

III. Innovative Application Scenarios: Design Space for Sensing Precision Enhancement

When the measurement accuracy and power consumption limitations are optimized, the i2001 is giving rise to innovative terminals with the capabilities of state prediction and behavior analysis.

1. Intelligent Pet Care

Smart Cat Litter Box: Monitor the entry and exit times of cats, their stay duration, and the posture in the litter box (crouching/standing). Combined with algorithm analysis of abnormal urination duration and frequency, it can provide early warning data for urinary system diseases.

Automatic Feeder: Detect when the pet's head approaches to trigger the release of a fixed amount of food, avoiding the long-term exposure of food to moisture; Real-time monitoring of the change in food bucket volume, accurately determining the timing for replenishment.

2. Smart Retail Shelves

The i2001 can be embedded in shelf layers to construct digital collection nodes for the interactive behaviors of goods: When the hand enters the sensing area, record one instance of product attention behavior; When the hand retracts and leaves, record one action of taking or placing. The 2-meter range covers the standing area in front of the shelf, and the 23° field of view forms a clear detection sector. The collected data can support the following analysis dimensions:

· Ranking of product attention frequency

· Conversion rate of shelf area for taking and placing

· Distribution of consumer stay time

3. Intelligent Kitchen Interaction

Range Hood: Real-time sensing of the cook's position and actions. When the user approaches the stove, automatically increase the suction force; When the user leaves briefly, maintain the current state; When the user leaves for a long time, delay the shutdown. Achieve dynamic adjustment of air volume based on the person's movement.

Touchless Cabinet: When the hand approaches, the cabinet door automatically opens; When the hand stays, the interior lighting is turned on; When the hand leaves, it is delayed to close. No physical contact is required throughout the process, suitable for use scenarios where hands are contaminated during cooking.

4. Conclusion

From passive sensing to active understanding, the intelligent evolution of AIoT terminals relies on the continuous breakthroughs in perception technology. The i2001 dToF chip, through the integration of architecture and low-power design, enables high-precision ranging solutions to enter battery-powered, cost-sensitive, and harsh environmental IoT scenarios, providing a technical foundation for delicate interaction experiences such as "wind following the person" and "hand approaching the slow current".