ROHM’s 75W High Optical Output Laser Diode for LiDAR

High density emission along with the industry’s narrowest width supports longer distances and higher accuracy in LiDAR-equipped applications

Willich-Münchheide, Germany, October 7, 2021 – ROHM developed a 75 W high optical output laser diode, the RLD90QZW3, for applications such as AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and service robots in the industrial equipment sector and robot vacuums in the consumer field that incorporate LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) for distance measurement and spatial recognition. In recent years, LiDAR is being increasingly adopted in a wide range of applications needed to be automated to precisely measure distance and for spatial recognition. For such market trends, there is a need to improve the performance of laser diodes when used as light sources to increase detection distance and accuracy while reducing power consumption. ROHM meets this market requirement by establishing original patented technology to achieve narrower emission width. This contributes to a longer range and higher accuracy in LiDAR applications. In 2019, ROHM released the RLD90QZW5  25W laser diode that has been adopted primarily in the consumer electronics sector. This latest product expands applicability in the industrial sector by providing higher optical output. The new RLD90QZW3  is a 75W infrared high optical output laser diode designed for LiDAR used in distance measurement and spatial recognition in 3D ToF (Time of Flight) systems. Leveraging original device development technology allows ROHM to achieve an unprecedented emission width of 225µm at equivalent optical output. This is 22% narrower than conventional products, improving beam characteristics. At the same time, uniform emission intensity together with low temperature dependence of the laser wavelength ensure stable performance – contributing to higher accuracy and expand longer distances in various LiDAR applications. Moreover, a power conversion efficiency (which is at trade-off with narrow emission width) of 21% – the same as standard products (at a forward current of 24A and 75W output) – enables use without an increased power consumption. A broad range of design support data is also available on ROHM’s website free of charge, including optical circuit simulation models and application notes on drive circuit design. This is necessary for integration and evaluation that supports quick market introduction. ROHM is currently developing even higher output 120W laser diodes for the automotive sector (AEC-Q102 qualified). Going forward, ROHM will continue to contribute to achieving safer, more convenient LiDAR-equipped applications. High Power Laser Diode Lineup for LiDAR (see table) Online Sales Information Sales launch date for the RLD90QZW3-00A was July 2021. Online Distributors are Digi-Key, Mouser, and Farnell, but the product is scheduled to be released at other online distributors as well.

About ROHM Semiconductor ROHM Semiconductor is a global company of 3.295 billion US dollars per March 31st, 2021 with 22,370 employees. The company develops and manufactures a very large product range from SiC Diodes and MOSFETs, Analog ICs such as Gate Drivers and Power Management ICs to Power Transistors and Diodes to Passive Components. The production of our high performing products is taking place in state-of-the-art manufacturing plants in Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and China. LAPIS Technology (former OKI Semiconductor), SiCrystal GmbH and Kionix are companies of the ROHM Semiconductor Group. ROHM Semiconductor Europe has its Head Office near Dusseldorf serving the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa). For further information, please contact www.rohm.com/eu