Scaling LWIR: High Volume Manufacturing of Pedestrian Safety Systems

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Abstract

The assembly and testing of long-wave infrared (LWIR) cameras pose several challenges that demand the utilization of a mature active alignment (AA) machine and a suitable optical target module for precise camera alignment and assembly. This presentation will review the technical approach to addressing these challenges, highlighting the development of an advanced AA machine and a specialized optical target module equipped with LWIR target projectors. These components offer significant technical differentiations through unique design and functionality, with specific design details remaining proprietary.
A mature camera active alignment machine should possess several critical attributes such as high precision, accuracy, advanced automation and control, high-speed processing, and versatility to handle various camera types. Additionally, robust software integration, environmental stability, user-friendly operation, repeatability, and built-in diagnostic tools enhance its functionality. Scalability, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with industry standards are also essential aspects.
Innovations in optical target module designs are vital to achieving scalable and cost-effective production of superior-performance LWIR sensors. Unlike semi-automated solutions with unverified performance, these innovations ensure high-throughput and high-yield thermal camera alignment. These measurable benefits include improved yield, reduced cycle time, lower implementation time, minimized scrap, and optimized capital and operational expenditures. These advancements collectively contribute to a reduced cost per camera, thereby setting a new standard in the industry for LWIR camera assembly and testing efficiency.

Dr. Lu Ren - lead of the systems engineering team at ASMPT

Biography

Dr. Lu Ren. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto, is the lead of the systems engineering team at ASMPT. With specialization in ADAS camera alignment and testing, Dr. Ren has actively led critical customer projects and spearheaded the design and development of optical target module designs for the past decade. His expertise extends to visible-NIR and long-wave infrared (LWIR)target projectors. Notably, Dr. Ren holds a patent for his exceptional optical target module design. Email: lu.ren@asmpt.co