Ficontec is a photonics assembly and testing specialist company headquartered in Achim, Germany. In 2022, Simon Viets became the company’s Global Business Development Director. Previously, he worked at Trioptics in roles including Head of Quality Management and Deputy Head of Sales. In 2018, he joined Automated Engineering, in positions including Director of Sales for Europe, China and Southeast Asia, with a focus on optical metrology and manufacturing systems for the automotive industry. He shared his thoughts with us on lidar-related matters, and here’s what he had to say:
“Within the dynamic landscape of sensor technology development, lidar has emerged as a pivotal and indispensable tool for industrial and commercial 3D perception that is transforming applications ranging from autonomous vehicles to environmental monitoring. As the adoption of lidar sensors into various sectors continues to surge, there is commensurate demand emerging for efficient, accurate, and scalable production, testing and calibration solutions. In this context, Ficontec—a globally established provider of automated production solutions for optical microassembly and test—has embarked on a transformative journey in partnership with Scramblux, an early-stage startup that has pioneered a groundbreaking lidar test and calibration technology. This collaboration marks a significant leap forward in the realm of lidar volume production.
“Ficontec brings over two decades of expertise in optical and photonic device microassembly and test to the table. Our success is grounded in providing highly-valued development, batch manufacturing and volume production solutions for diverse optoelectronic and photonic applications, including telecom-datacom, high-power laser diode assembly, automotive sensors, lighting, optical fiber-coupled devices, as well as for the integration of photonic integrated devices (PIC). By specializing in high-precision optical engineering, Ficontec has long mastered the art of assembling intricate optical components with the highest degree of positioning accuracy and finished device reliability.
“Over the last few years, the skills gained in these diverse sectors have come together to provide crucial development and manufacturing solutions for a gamut of different lidar developments and applications. As automotive lidar systems have become integral to ensuring safety and enabling autonomous driving, the demand for precise and reliable assembly processes is more significant than ever. Ficontec’s proven capabilities position us as a key player in meeting this demand, providing solutions that set the standard for quality and efficiency.
“Recognizing the growing demand for lidar solutions, in particular in the automotive sector, Ficontec has strategically partnered with Scramblux, an innovative startup at the forefront of lidar testing and calibration. At the core of this collaboration is their groundbreaking Scramblux BeamScrambler, an advanced optical measurement tool specifically designed for testing and calibrating lidar sensors across a wide range of performance parameters.
“The integration of the BeamScrambler into Ficontec’s volume production solutions enables a number of key advantages for lidar systems manufacturers. BeamScrambler brings two important benefits to the process of lidar end-of-line testing and calibration—a substantial reduction in the required floorspace as well a significant improvement in cycle times for the necessary procedures. Moreover, the lidar systems can be tested at full field-of-view and at multiple ranges up to the full range, all in a single measurement and within the same reduced footprint.
“Ficontec will offer customers a revolutionized lidar testing experience like never before. The benefits go beyond mere efficiency gains as the measurement advantages presented are unprecedented; not only does this streamline the production process, the overall quality of the manufactured lidar systems can also be enhanced. Moreover, this technology enables significant initial investment cost savings associated with reduced total cost of ownership and with the considerably smaller production line footprint.
“The partnership empowers Ficontec to offer a more modern and comprehensive suite of services for volume lidar manufacturing needs. This embodies both passive and active optical alignment technologies, qualified industrial bonding technologies—soldering, welding, epoxy—and a range of optical test and characterization technologies. Now, with the incorporation of the BeamScrambler technology, the suite of available end-of-line testing capabilities is enhanced, is optimized for short cycle times, small footprint, full FOV measurement, and long-distance measurements up to the full range of the lidar.
“Ficontec has established ourselves as an innovator and leader for manufacturing technology as applied to photonic integrated circuit (PIC) integration and hybridization (a.k.a. packaging). This PIC sector and the markets for the associated applications are set to grow with a CAGR many times that of the general high-tech industry and equally more than that of photonics as a whole.
“As the automotive industry embraces FMCW and other more integrated lidar approaches for enhanced sensing capabilities, PIC technology becomes central. Ficontec’s capabilities in PIC packaging, assembly, and testing enable us to meet the requirements of FMCW and other advanced lidar systems that involve the integration of various photonic elements into a single, compact package.
“The precision required for PIC integration and hybridization is one of Ficontec’s many key capabilities. Fully automated systems ensure the delicate handling and completion of component processing steps, guaranteeing repeatability within the assembly process and long-term reliability of the completed and tested device. Moreover, a modular and reconfigurable approach to machine building additionally ensures adaptability in accord with evolving industry standards as well as cost-efficient repurposing at product end-of-life.
“For current and future lidar system manufacturers there are effectively three key take-aways:
- Ficontec’s mechanical and optical assembly excellence is evidenced by a proven track record and positions us as a cornerstone among providers of photonics manufacturing solutions. Our capabilities ensure the reliability and accuracy crucial for the demanding requirements of automotive lidar systems.
- Ficontec’s innovation and leadership in the area of die- and wafer-level PIC packaging, assembly, and test manufacturing solutions will prove pivotal as advanced and increasingly integrated lidar systems evolve and the integration of PICs becomes progressively vital.
- Scramblux’s BeamScrambler technology provides a new and revolutionary tool, enabling direct measurement of key lidar performance parameters within a single system. It reduces cycle times and floor space requirements and provides gains not only in efficiency but can also potentially provide for substantial cost savings on the production line floor.
“Looking ahead, the collaboration between Ficontec and Scramblux not only transforms lidar production but also has far-reaching implications for the automotive industry. The BeamScrambler’s capabilities will enable automakers to conduct real-world testing and calibration—and thus install lidars—in vehicles more affordably. This breakthrough technology further extends to the aftermarket, allowing for lidar test and calibration in automotive workshops and/or during the re-qualification of vehicles’ systems.
The partnership between Ficontec and Scramblux represents a convergence of mechanical precision, optical expertise, and groundbreaking technology. As lidar continues to shape the automotive landscape, this collaboration stands as a testament to the industry’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and reliability. Together, we are not just revolutionizing lidar production; we are shaping the future of automotive safety and autonomy.”
