Binary-Tree Switch LiDAR for Lower Power and Better Light Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR systems rely on optical phase arrays (OPAs) for beam steering, which are inefficient in terms of power consumption and light reception efficiency, limiting their effectiveness in advanced driving assistance systems and autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR apparatus utilizing a binary tree structure of switches, including a root switch with electro-optic elements, to steer light through a network of 2×2 switches, reducing power consumption and enhancing light reception efficiency by minimizing the number of active components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If optical phase array (OPA) is used for beam steering, then light steering function is achieved, but power consumption increases and light reception efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The OPA system is divided into multiple independent switch modules arranged in a binary tree structure. Each switch module can be independently controlled to route light signals, allowing only the necessary switches to be activated during transmission and reception operations, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining beam steering functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch modules are dynamically configured based on operational mode. During light reception, the switches are positioned to optimize the reception path, minimizing losses. During transmission, they are configured for efficient beam steering. This dynamic reconfiguration improves both power efficiency and light reception efficiency by ensuring optimal performance in each operational state.
2Ease of operation
If optical phase array (OPA) is used for beam steering, then light steering function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple switch modules are merged into a unified binary tree structure that shares common optical paths and control logic. This hierarchical merging reduces the total number of independent components compared to a traditional OPA while maintaining the ability to perform complex beam steering operations through coordinated switching of the modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch modules are organized in a nested binary tree hierarchy where smaller switching units are contained within larger switching structures. This nested arrangement allows compact integration of multiple switching functions within a reduced footprint, simplifying the overall device architecture while preserving sophisticated light steering capabilities.
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
The switch-based LiDAR system reduces power consumption and increases light reception efficiency, enabling more effective distance and speed measurements for advanced driving assistance and autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the root switch is a 2×2 switch including a first upstream side port, a second upstream side port, a first downstream side port, and a second downstream side port, and wherein the light source is connected to the first upstream side port and the photodetector is connected to the second upstream side port. The plurality of switches are configured to transmit light emitted from the light source to the light transmission/reception optical system
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a vehicle light detection and ranging, LiDAR, apparatus (100) including a plurality of switches (130) connected in a binary tree structure, a light source (110) and a photodetector (120), respectively connected to a root switch (130R) provided on a root node of the binary tree structure, and a light transmission/reception optical system (140) connected to a plurality of terminal switches (130T) provided at a plurality of terminal nodes of the binary tree structure, the light transmission/reception optical system (140) being configured to transmit light to an outside of the LiDAR apparatus (100) or receive light from the outside, wherein the root switch (130R) is a 2x2 switch including first and second upstream side ports, and first and second downstream side ports, and wherein the light source (110) is connected to the first upstream side port and the photodetector (120) is connected to the second upstream side port. The LiDAR apparatus (100) may further include a first auxiliary light source (110a) and a second auxiliary light source (110b) in preparation for failure or disorder of the light source (110). They may be respectively connected to first and second switches (130C1) and (130C2) arranged at two child nodes of the root node (130R) in the binary tree structure. Each switch (130) may further include first and second monitoring photodetectors for measuring the intensity of light passing through the first and second downstream side ports, respectively. A processor (150) may perform calibration based on output of the monitoring photodetectors.