Allegro MicroSystems, a developer of sensing and power semiconductor technology solutions, has announced the acquisition of Voxtel Inc., a privately held company specializing in advanced photonic and 3D imaging technology including long-range, eye-safe light detection and ranging (lidar). This acquisition brings together Voxtel’s significant laser and imaging expertise with Allegro’s automotive leadership and scale to enable the next generation of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Voxtel Inc. has been pioneering photonics since 1999, developing cutting-edge solutions for military, space, automotive and surveillance applications. Its ultra-miniature lasers, read-out integrated circuits (ROICs), and 
near-infrared (NIR) and short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) photodetectors, supported by more than 38 U.S. patents, represent one of the broadest ladar/lidar photonic technology suites available. Allegro’s innovative portfolio of motor drivers, position sensors, regulators and current sensors, when combined with photonics, provides most of the key semiconductor components in the transmit and receive blocks of automotive lidar systems. This increases Allegro’s foothold in the car of the future.
Lidar enables safer, smarter vehicles
Lidar typically uses lasers, photodetectors and ROICs with time-of-flight (TOF) capability to measure distance by illuminating a target and analyzing the reflected light. Lidar technology provides the high-resolution, 3D information about the surrounding environment necessary to make fully autonomous driving a reality. It also supports adaptive cruise control, complements car cameras and radar and adds situational awareness.
Comprehensive solutions, including essential “eye-safe” capability
Historically, a barrier to broad adoption of lidar technology in vehicles has been the restriction of maximum power output of the laser in order to comply with eye safety guidelines. As a result of this acquisition, Allegro’s photonics portfolio now includes devices made in silicon and indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs), providing components for both eye-safe, long-range 1D or 2D scanned front-facing lidar and side- or rear-facing FLASH lidar. Devices based on InGaAs operate at wavelengths at which the human eye is less sensitive (1,500 nm to 1,600 nm), enabling higher laser power levels for longer range object detection beyond 200 m.
“We are combining Voxtel’s proven lidar technology born out of an impressive history in ranging and space applications, with Allegro’s automotive expertise, world class IC design, proven quality systems, and high-volume manufacturing proficiency,” said Mike Doogue, senior vice president of business development. “Our OEM and Tier-1 customers will now have access to this advanced technology with Allegro’s assurance of world-class global support and the scale needed to support automotive manufacturing volumes.”
