Broadcom AFBR-S50-FEK Evaluation Kit

The Broadcom AFBR-S50-FEK Evaluation Kit provides a comprehensive set of modules and evaluation tools for applications involving AFBR-S50 multipixel time-of-flight (ToF) sensors. The kit features an STMicroelectronics STM32F401RE microcontroller with up to five functional sensors, USB connectors, and information cards to allow rapid development of airborne devices and equipment. The kit mainly supports applications for distance measurement, security surveillance, robotics, human-machine interaction, UAVs, drones, AMRs, and AGVs.

Extensive Sensor Options With a Centralized Development Platform

The Broadcom AFBR-S50-FEK evaluation kit offers up to five ToF sensors with a central controller. These sensors include:

• AFBR-S50MV68B

• AFBR-S50MV85G

• AFBR-S50MV85I

• AFBR-S50LV85D

• AFBR-S50LX85D

The core functionality of each sensor is to emit a light pulse and measure the time taken to receive the reflected pulse. These sensors interface with the microcontroller by using various serial communication protocols, such as SPI, I2C, etc. Moreover, the sensors vary in terms of distance measurement ranges, i.e. the ‘MV’ sensors are suited for medium range while ‘LV’ and ‘LX’ sensors are for lower ranges.

The kit features the STM32F401RE microcontroller that contains an Arm-Cortex M4 processor. It collects the data from the ToF sensors and operates at an 84MHz clock frequency. It’s suitable for handling complex distance calculations and can interface with a PC via a USB connector to provide essential information about received distance measurements. Also, the kit features a breakout board with ToF sockets and a USB power cable.

In the Broadcom AFBR-S50-FEK evaluation kit, the STM32F401RE microcontroller acts as the brain. This  Arm Cortex-M4 core microcontroller processes data from the included AFBR-S50 ToF sensors.  Clocking up to 84 MHz, it has the power to handle complex distance calculations and utilizes its peripherals to communicate with the PC (likely via USB) for further analysis or control.

Connecting the board to the computer is a simplistic process. Since the board follows Arduino pinout, it’s easy to integrate sensors via dedicated pin headers. Once the board has been connected via USB cable, the AFBR-S50 explorer provides a detailed overview of measured distances and received data from the sensors. 

Advanced Sensors Suited for Wide-Ranging Applications

The Broadcom AFBR-S50-FEK Evaluation kit provides a robust distance measurement platform for ToF sensors. Moreover, thanks to its comprehensive kit and easy-to-use modules, the kit can be instantly configured for a wide range of applications including:

• Factory Automation

• Distance Measurement

• Security Surveillance

• Human-Machine Interaction

• Functional Safety

• UAVs/drones

• AGVs/AMRs

• Inventory monitoring

• Fill-level monitoring

The sensors work on optical sensing, measuring the time of flight for an emitted light pulse. Most sensors in the kit are developed for medium-range distance measurement and support various reflective surfaces such as white, colored, black, metallic, etc.

The distance measurement range of up to 50 meters allows for wireless monitoring and obstacle detection which is best-suited for security and surveillance applications and remote monitoring.