Integrated Lidar Transceiver Using Semiconductor Diode Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lidar systems with opto-mechanical scanners are prone to mechanical vibrations and shocks, leading to short lifespan and frequent breakdowns, especially in mobile applications.
Innovation Solution
An integrated optical transmitter and receiver using a two-dimensional array of semiconductor diodes on a common substrate, capable of operating in both light-emitting and photodetector modes, allows for non-mechanical scanning by selectively configuring diodes for emission and detection, eliminating the need for moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If opto-mechanical scanners are used for scanning, then scanning functionality is achieved, but mechanical vibrations and shocks occur leading to short lifespan and frequent breakdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the opto-mechanical scanning system with a solid-state semiconductor diode array that electronically controls light emission and detection. Each diode can be individually configured to emit light or detect light through electrical biasing, eliminating moving parts and mechanical scanners entirely. This substitution of mechanical scanning with electronic control resolves the reliability issue by removing the source of mechanical vibrations and shocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor diodes are designed with dual functionality, capable of operating in both light-emitting mode (when forward-biased) and photodetector mode (when reverse-biased). This multi-functionality allows the same array of diodes to perform both transmission and reception functions, replacing what would traditionally require separate mechanical scanners and detectors, thereby improving reliability while reducing device complexity.
2Weight of moving object
If separate transmitters and receivers are used, then functional capability is maintained, but size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmitter and receiver functions into a single integrated semiconductor diode array. The same physical diodes that can emit light when forward-biased can also detect light when reverse-biased, combining what would traditionally be separate components into one unified structure. This integration significantly reduces the weight and size of the transceiver while maintaining full operational capability through electronic mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
Each semiconductor diode in the array is designed as a universal component capable of both light emission and light detection. By applying forward bias, the diode emits light for transmission; by applying reverse bias, the same diode detects reflected light. This universality eliminates the need for separate transmitter and receiver components, reducing overall system weight and size while preserving functional versatility.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional lidar systems are used, then scanning capability is provided, but manufacturing costs are high due to mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical scanning components with a solid-state semiconductor diode array that uses electronic control for scanning. The diodes can be individually addressed and configured through electrical signals, eliminating the need for mechanical scanners, mirrors, and moving parts. This substitution dramatically reduces manufacturing costs while simultaneously improving durability by removing fragile mechanical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the ability to change the operational state of semiconductor diodes through electrical parameter changes (forward bias for emission, reverse bias for detection). This electronic parameter control replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs while improving reliability. The solid-state nature of the diodes makes them inherently more durable and easier to manufacture at scale compared to mechanical scanning systems.
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 durability against mechanical stress, reduces size and weight, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining scanning functionality, resulting in a more reliable and cost-effective lidar transceiver.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the semiconductor diodes is individually configurable to operate in a plurality of modes including a light-emitting mode
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector mode... a photocurrent generated by the non-overlapping second subset of the semiconductor diodes in response to receiving light produced by reflection of the optical pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A lidar system including an integrated optical transmitter and receiver capable of transmitting light to optically scan the system's field of view (FOV) without employing moving parts and of detecting light produced by reflections of the transmitted light in the FOV. In an example, the integrated optical transmitter and receiver includes a two-dimensional array of semiconductor diodes supported on a common substrate. Each of the semiconductor diodes is individually configurable to operate in a plurality of modes including a light-emitting mode and a photodetector mode. The lidar system includes circuitry to apply forward and reverse electrical biases to different selected subsets of the semiconductor diodes to enable the light-emitting and photodetector modes, respectively. The lidar system may further include circuitry to generate a depth map of the FOV based on time-of-flight measurements performed using the integrated optical transmitter and receiver.