Biasing Capacitor Circuit for SiPM Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
LIDAR devices consume significant power due to continuous biasing of light detectors like silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs), which can be optimized by selectively biasing and debiasing them during specific periods to conserve energy and prevent oversaturation of Analog-to-Digital converters.
Innovation Solution
A circuit and method that utilize a biasing capacitor and voltage difference driver to adjust the output voltage of light detectors between a high biasing level and a low debiasing level, allowing for efficient power management by biasing SiPMs only during emission and listening periods, and debiasing during other times to prevent oversaturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light detectors are continuously biased to maintain detection capability, then detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic biasing of light detectors by switching between biased and debiased states in sync with the light emitter's pulse period. The detector is biased during listening periods when reflected light is expected and debiased during emission periods, creating a periodic action that reduces power consumption while maintaining detection accuracy at critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the biasing state of light detectors based on the operational phase. A voltage difference driver circuit switches the detector between biased and debiased states, making the system adaptive rather than static. This dynamic control allows the detector to consume power only when needed for detection, optimizing the trade-off between accuracy and energy efficiency.
2Reliability
If light detectors are continuously biased, then detection capability is maintained, but Analog-to-Digital converters may become saturated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic debiasing of the light detector during emission periods to prevent saturation of the Analog-to-Digital converter. By switching the detector to a debiased state during light emission, the system creates a reset period that prevents cumulative charge buildup and saturation, while restoring detection capability during listening periods when no light is being emitted.
3Use of energy by moving object
If light detectors are debiased to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but detection accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching between biased and debiased states synchronized with the light emission cycle. The detector is debiased during emission periods to save power and prevent saturation, then restored to biased state during listening periods when reflected light detection is required. This timing ensures detection accuracy is maintained when needed while consuming less power overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the light emitter's operational state to control the detector's biasing. The voltage difference driver receives signals indicating whether the light emitter is currently emitting light and accordingly switches the detector between biased and debiased states. This feedback mechanism ensures the detector is in the appropriate state for accurate detection during listening periods while saving power during emission periods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces power consumption and extends the operational life of LIDAR devices by minimizing energy waste during debiasing periods, while maintaining accurate detection capabilities through dynamic threshold adjustments based on background noise levels.
Implementation Method 1
A circuit and method that utilize a biasing capacitor and voltage difference driver to adjust the output voltage of light detectors between a high biasing level and a low debiasing level
Implementation Method 2
The voltage difference driver is configured to connect the second terminal to a voltage source during a first portion of the pulse period. Connecting the second terminal to the voltage source drives the output voltage to a first voltage level above a biasing threshold of the light detector
Data Source
AI summary
An example circuit includes a light detector and a biasing capacitor having (i) a first terminal that applies to the light detector an output voltage that can either bias or debias the light detector and (ii) a second terminal for controlling the output voltage. The circuit includes a first transistor connected to the second terminal of the biasing capacitor and configured to drive the output voltage to a first voltage level above a biasing threshold of the light detector and thereby biasing the light detector. The circuit includes a second transistor connected to the second terminal of the biasing capacitor and configured to drive the output voltage to a second voltage level below the biasing threshold of the light detector and thereby debiasing the light detector. The second voltage is a non-zero voltage that corresponds to a charge level of the biasing capacitor.