Coherent LiDAR Transceiver Channel Sharing for Compact Automotive 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 reduces the system's compactness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel dual polarization coherent (DPC) LIDAR transceiver is configured for time-domain multiplexing, allowing the transmission of optical signals through different channels during specific time slots, and using a network of electronic multiplexers to share photodetector channels, reducing resource requirements and improving channel efficiency.
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 extracts the fiber coupling component from the LIDAR system and replaces it with free-space optical coupling using lenses and mirrors. This removal of the bulky fiber coupling mechanism directly reduces system volume while maintaining optical signal transmission capability, resolving the contradiction between compactness and manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical fiber coupling system with an optical free-space coupling system using lenses and mirrors. This replacement eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment and physical fiber connections, reducing system bulkiness and complexity while achieving the same optical signal transmission function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channels are added to LIDAR systems, then detection capability is improved, but system complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-polarization coherent detection system where a single photodetector channel can process both TE and TM polarized signals through time-division multiplexing. This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle multiple channels and polarization states without proportionally increasing the number of physical photodetectors, thereby improving channel capacity while controlling system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs time-division multiplexing where optical signals with different polarizations are transmitted in alternating time slots through the same optical path and detected by the same photodetector. This periodic action allows multiple channels to share a single detection resource, increasing channel capacity without linearly increasing system complexity.
3Productivity
If photodetector channels are shared through time-division multiplexing, then resource efficiency is improved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary polarization filtering and time-slot assignment before the signals reach the shared photodetector. By pre-organizing the optical signals with distinct polarization states and timing, the system enables the photodetector to efficiently distinguish between different channels without requiring complex real-time signal processing, thus improving resource efficiency while managing processing complexity.
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 more compact and efficient LIDAR system by reducing resource usage and enhancing channel efficiency, facilitating the integration of additional channels and improving performance in automotive applications.
Implementation Method 1
Optical detection of range using lasers, often referenced by a mnemonic, LIDAR, for light detection and ranging
Implementation Method 2
LIDAR provides finer scale range resolution with smaller beam sizes than conventional microwave ranging systems
Implementation Method 3
reproduce the optical beam as a plurality of optical beams
Implementation Method 4
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 for a vehicle, includes a laser source configured to generate light signals, a transceiver, and a fiber array coupled to the transceiver and including a plurality of output channels. The transceiver is configured to receive one or more light signals from the laser source through a first group of output channels of the fiber array, receive one or more local oscillator (LO) signals through a second group of output channels of the fiber array, transmit the one or more light signals into an environment of the vehicle, receive a first returned light reflected from one or more objects in the environment, and output the first returned light and a first LO signal of the one or more LO signals.