SiLC Technologies, Inc. announced an integrated 1550nm FMCW LiDAR on a chip. Utilizing frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) technology at 1550nm wavelength, SiLC’s Vision Sensor represents the future of LiDAR in which safety, performance and range dramatically increase, while full integration enables a low-cost, low power, and compact footprint. SiLC’s silicon-based integration platform will transform the economics of the LiDAR market and enable a broad range of consumer, industrial, robotics and security applications. SiLC will demonstrate record-setting performance with its integrated 4D Vision Sensor test chip at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Unlike existing solutions, based on Time of Flight (TOF) technology at 905nm, which suffer from range limitation due to eye safety and concerns about multi-user cross-talk, SiLC’s FMCW 1550nm Vision Sensor enables interference-free and eye-safe operation. Utilizing coherent detection techniques enables low laser peak power and measurement of instantaneous velocity at the same time.

SiLC was founded by industry veteran Dr. Mehdi Asghari and his team, who have a long and proven track record together in silicon photonics going back over 20 years. This includes a successful IPO for Bookham and the repositioning of Kotura for Data Center Optics and its subsequent commercial sale to Mellanox. SiLC’s technology is mature and proven. It has supported qualification and ramp to volume production of many products in the past, in both telecom and data center applications, and enjoys a well-established manufacturing eco-system.