Coherent LiDAR Transceiver Multiplexing for Compact Multi-Channel Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems face challenges in scaling down for automotive applications due to the bulkiness of fiber coupling, which limits the addition of channels and efficient integration into vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel dual polarization coherent LIDAR transceiver employing time-division multiplexing, using a network of electronic multiplexers and shared photodetector channels to reduce resources, allowing for the transmission of optical signals through different channels during specific time slots and toggling control lines to manage multiplexers for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If fiber coupling is used in conventional LIDAR systems, then optical signal transmission is achieved, but the system becomes bulky and scaling down for automotive applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (transmit and receive channels) into a single integrated photonic device, eliminating the need for separate fiber coupling components and reducing overall system volume while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The photonic device performs multiple functions including beam splitting, polarization separation, and signal detection within a single component, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate components and fiber connections
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channels are added to LIDAR systems, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to fiber coupling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical functions into distinct operational modes (TE and TM polarization channels) that are multiplexed in time, allowing multiple detection channels to be achieved without proportionally increasing physical component count
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses time-division multiplexing where different polarization channels are activated in alternating time slots, enabling multiple channels to share common hardware resources and reducing overall device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If resources are reduced in LIDAR systems, then scalability is improved, but maintaining high beam quality becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using polarization diversity and time-division multiplexing, allowing the same physical resources to serve multiple functions while maintaining optical signal integrity and beam quality through precise polarization control
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 enables a compact LIDAR system design suitable for automotive applications by reducing resources and improving scalability, while maintaining high beam quality and minimizing stray light interference.
Implementation Method 1
receive an optical beam generated by a laser source
Implementation Method 2
receive, from the optical device, a transverse electric (TE) reflected beam and a transverse magnetic (TM) reflected beam
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system includes one or more components that include at least one of an electrical circuit, an electro-optical component, or an optical component. The one or more components are configured to receive an optical beam generated by a laser source, split the optical beam into a plurality of optical beams, transmit the plurality of optical beams through a first subset of optical paths. The one or more components are configured to in response to transmitting the plurality of optical beams, receive a reflected beam through a second subset of the optical paths, generate a first output signal based on a first local oscillator (LO) signal and the reflected beam, and generate a second output signal based on a second local oscillator (LO) signal and the reflected beam.