The possibility to combine the sensor with on -chip application-specific circuitry is fundamental for
an enhanced smart optical sensor. To improve the dynamic range of the PMD device, additional circuitry for the
instantaneous suppression of background illumination (SBI) has been introduced. Using such a special readout technique allows precise 3D measurements even in environments with huge uncorrelated signals at high temperatures. Therefore this principle is a key feature for a number of range imaging applications where the existence of disturbing uncorrelated
signals is unavoidable. The working principle of PMDs patented SBI circuitry is illustrated in the following figure: