Distributed Low-Noise Amplifier Sensor Array for Fast 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical sensing solutions for three-dimensional imaging face limitations such as high costs, low vertical resolution, and slow scanning speeds, particularly in applications like automotive LiDAR, where high sensitivity and fast frame rates are required.
Innovation Solution
The development of optical sensor circuits with distributed low-noise amplifiers, integrating avalanche photodiodes with analog front-end circuitry, enables high vertical and horizontal resolution and scalable sensing capabilities, addressing the limitations of existing technologies by providing a large array of sensors with fast frame rates and high sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanically scanned sensors are used, then three-dimensional imaging capability is achieved, but scanning speed is slow and frame rate is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with a static sensor array that captures multiple spatial positions simultaneously. The sensor array includes multiple photodetectors arranged in rows and columns, eliminating moving mechanical parts while achieving three-dimensional imaging through parallel detection across the array, thus dramatically increasing scanning speed and frame rate.
2Measurement precision
If micro-mechanically scanned sensors are used, then three-dimensional imaging is achieved, but vertical resolution is low
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is segmented into multiple rows and columns of photodetectors, with each element independently detecting optical signals from different spatial positions. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple vertical positions, achieving high vertical resolution without requiring complex mechanical scanning mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If a large array of sensors is used to achieve high resolution, then sensing capability is improved, but circuit area increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple photodetectors are combined into a compact sensor array structure where adjacent photodetectors share common readout circuitry and signal processing paths. This merging approach allows a large number of sensing elements to be integrated into a reduced circuit area while maintaining high spatial resolution through the collective detection capability of the array.
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 proposed solution achieves high sensitivity and fast frame rates, enabling effective three-dimensional imaging applications like automotive LiDAR with improved resolution and scalability, overcoming the limitations of mechanically scanned and micro-mechanically scanned sensors.
Implementation Method 1
optical sensors generally operate by detecting electromagnetic energy and producing an electrical signal that corresponds to the intensity of the electromagnetic energy incident on the optical sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor circuit includes a sensor array. The sensor array includes a sensor row that includes a first sensor cell, a second sensor cell, and an output stage of a distributed amplifier circuit. The first sensor cell includes a first photodetector, and a first preamplifier stage of the distributed amplifier circuit. The first preamplifier stage is coupled to the first photodetector, and is configured to amplify a signal received from the first photodetector. The second sensor cell includes a second photodetector, and a second preamplifier stage of the distributed amplifier circuit. The second preamplifier stage is coupled to the second photodetector, and is configured to amplify a signal received from the second photodetector. The output stage of the distributed amplifier circuit is coupled to the first and second sensor cells, and is configured to amplify a signal received from the first preamplifier stage and the second preamplifier stage.