LiDAR Laser Diode Bar Serial Driver and Thermal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR systems face challenges in forming a powerful controllable current pulse with sharp edges and achieving optimal beam divergence for effective object detection, particularly in autonomous vehicles, where high optical power and low beam divergence are required.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a LiDAR system using a serially connected laser diode bar with a single driver circuit, where the laser diode bar is located on an active cooling component and cooled independently from the driver, allowing for reduced Thermal Electrical Cooler power consumption and improved synchronization of laser diode operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate driver circuits are used to control individual laser diodes, then precise control of each diode is achieved, but device complexity and synchronization difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate driver circuits are merged into a single driver circuit that controls the entire laser diode bar. The driver circuit generates a single current pulse that is distributed to all laser diodes through a current distribution network, reducing component count and simplifying synchronization while maintaining precise control of each diode element.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser diode bar is segmented into multiple individual laser diode elements that can be independently controlled through the current distribution network. Each segment receives precisely controlled current through resistive division, allowing independent control of each diode element while using a single driver circuit.
2Ease of manufacture
If laser diodes are located close to the driver circuit for electrical connection, then electrical connectivity is simplified, but thermal management becomes difficult and TEC power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser diode bar is physically extracted and separated from the driver circuit location, placing it on a heat sink or cooling plate away from the driver electronics. This separation allows the driver circuit to be thermally isolated from the high-power laser diodes, reducing the thermal load on the TEC and lowering power consumption while maintaining electrical connectivity through manageable connection lengths.
3Illumination intensity
If high optical power is generated by increasing current through laser diodes, then beam intensity increases, but beam divergence increases reducing detection precision
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the laser diode bar are optimized for different functions. The current distribution network uses resistive division to provide precise current control to each diode element, while the optical design incorporates beam combining optics that maintain low divergence. Each local region (electrical connection, active region, optical output) is optimized for its specific function to achieve both high intensity and low divergence.
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 configuration enables the generation of a high-power light beam with specific beam divergence characteristics, enhancing object detection capabilities in both horizontal and vertical directions, thereby improving the robustness and efficiency of the LiDAR system.
Implementation Method 1
emitting a light beam from the light source when current is passing through the plurality of laser diodes
Implementation Method 2
A Thermal Electric Cooler (TEC) power of the LiDAR system may be decreased by locating the laser diodes on an active cooling component
Data Source
AI summary
Implementing systems and methods for operating a LiDAR system. The methods comprise: supplying current from a laser diode bar driver of the LiDAR system to a light source of the LiDAR system; passing the current through a laser diode bar of the light source (the laser diode bar comprising a plurality of laser diodes electrically connected in series); emitting a light beam from the light source when current is passing through the plurality of laser diodes; and/or receiving light reflected off an object.