Top 5 SiPM Manufacturers for Industrial LiDAR

Introduction : For engineers and developers moving into the world of 3D sensing, choosing the right detector is the most critical hardware decision. Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) have emerged as the gold standard for industrial LiDAR because they offer the extreme sensitivity of a single photon detector but are built using mass producible silicon technology. Following page covers top SiPM manufacturers useful in LiDAR system design targetted for warehouse robotics, factory automation or environmental surveying.

Onsemi (Formerly ON semiconductor)

The company is the leader in NIR optimized SiPMs for industrial dToF applications.

• Key part numbers :
  • RB series - MicroRB-10010, MicroRB-10020, MicroRB-10035
  • J-series : MicroJ-30035-MLP
• RB Series is specifically designed for 905 nm LiDAR, offering high photon detection efficiency, higher gain and tiny package. Check company website for more information.

Hamamatsu Photonics

The company is pioneer of MPPC (Multi-Pixel Photon Counter), their proprietary name for SiPM technology.

• Key Part numbers : S13360 Series, S14160 Series
• The part number S13360-1325 is considered the industry benchmark for precision. It offers ultra low dark count and crosstalk and it ideal for high accuracy industrial distance measurement and scientific instrumentation.

Broadcom

The company produces high performance SiPMs designed for automotive and industrial volume, specifically tuned for the Near Infrared (NIR) spectrum.

• Key part numbers : AFBR-S4N Series, AFBR-S4N66C013
• Broadcom’s sensors are optimized for 905 nm detection. They are widely used in industrial automation because of their high photon detection efficiency and excellent mechanical robustness in high volume production.

STMicroelectronics

The company produces high integration SPAD and SiPM arrays for advanced 3D sensing.

• Key part numbers : VD55H1 ( Indirect ToF sensor) , VD56G3 (Global shutter sensor)
• STMicro focuses on CMOS integration, combining the detector and the processing electronics on the same chip.

Excelitas Technologies

Excelitas specializes in ruggedized optoelectronics and complete sensor modules that include the necessary pre-amplification.

• Key part numbers : C30742 Series, VTH2090 Series
• The part C30742 series is designed to be highly resistant to temperature fluctuations and mechanical stress, often used in outdoor surveying and heavy duty industrial machinery.