GaN LIDAR Illumination Driver for High-Rate 3D Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems face limitations in generating high-resolution 3D point clouds due to low pulse repetition rates, mechanical complexity, and sensitivity to vibrations, leading to reduced point cloud density and increased power consumption, which affects their performance in applications requiring broad fields of view and rapid image updates.
Innovation Solution
An integrated LIDAR measurement device utilizing a GaN-based illumination driver IC with field effect transistors (FETs) for efficient current delivery and a return pulse receiver IC for precise time-of-flight calculations, along with a power save control module to reduce power consumption, enabling higher current density and reduced power loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single laser emitter/detector combination with rotating mirror is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the point cloud density and measurement throughput decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single laser beam into multiple parallel beams using a beam splitting element, creating multiple illumination paths simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to capture multiple spatial points in parallel, increasing point cloud density without adding multiple complete laser emitter/detector combinations, thus maintaining relatively simple device complexity.
2Productivity
If the pulse repetition rate is increased to improve throughput, then the measurement speed increases, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsing of multiple laser beams in a coordinated sequence, where each beam is activated at different time intervals within a measurement cycle. This periodic action allows the system to maintain high measurement throughput by efficiently utilizing the pulse repetition rate across multiple beams while managing peak power consumption through temporal distribution of energy delivery.
3Area of stationary object
If mechanical scanning components are used to achieve broad field of view, then the coverage area increases, but the sensitivity to vibrations and mechanical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical scanning systems with a static optical arrangement using beam splitting elements and fixed mirrors. The broad field of view is achieved through the geometric configuration of multiple parallel beams and their respective optical paths, eliminating the need for rotating mirrors or moving scanning components, thereby reducing vibration sensitivity and mechanical 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
The solution enhances LIDAR system performance by improving imaging resolution, reducing mechanical complexity, and increasing the throughput of 3D measurements, allowing for broader fields of view and faster image updates while minimizing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The GaN based illumination driver includes field effect transistors (FETs) that offer higher current density than conventional silicon based complementary metal oxide on silicon (CMOS) devices
Implementation Method 2
LIDAR systems employ pulses of light to measure distance to an object based on the time of flight (TOF) of each pulse of light
Implementation Method 3
In some examples, pulses of light are generated by a laser emitter. The light pulses are focused through a lens or lens assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for performing three dimensional LIDAR measurements with an integrated LIDAR measurement device are described herein. In one aspect, a Gallium Nitride (GaN) based illumination driver integrated circuit (IC), an illumination source, and a return signal receiver IC are mounted to a common substrate. The illumination driver IC provides a pulse of electrical power to the illumination source in response to a pulse trigger signal received from the return signal receiver IC. In another aspect, the GaN based illumination driver IC controls the amplitude, ramp rate, and duration of the pulse of electrical power based on command signals communicated from the return signal receiver IC to the illumination driver IC. In a further aspect, illumination driver IC reduces the amount of electrical power consumed by the illumination driver IC during periods of time when the illumination driver IC is not providing electrical power to the illumination source.