LiDAR Laser Electrode Sharing for Higher Vertical Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR systems face challenges in enhancing vertical angular resolution due to the limited area of printed circuit boards and the need for higher light-emitting unit density, which is restricted by the fixed size of components like capacitors and switches.
Innovation Solution
A laser design where multiple light-emitting units share a cathode or anode, each with a separate wiring unit connected to an unshared anode or cathode, allowing for increased density without expanding the laser's area, and using a staggered arrangement of lasers to improve vertical angular resolution and point cloud density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the density of light-emitting units is increased to enhance vertical angular resolution, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for more separate wiring units and switching devices
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light-emitting units share a common cathode or anode, merging the electrical connection structure. This reduces the number of separate wiring units and switching devices needed, thereby lowering device complexity while maintaining high light-emitting unit density for improved vertical angular resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The shared cathode or anode serves multiple light-emitting units simultaneously, making the electrical connection structure multi-functional. This universal structure reduces overall system complexity while supporting high-density light-emitting units for enhanced measurement precision
2Ease of operation
If separate wiring units are provided for each light-emitting unit to enable individual control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the area of the laser increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light-emitting units share a common cathode or anode, merging the electrical connection structure. This reduces the total area required while still allowing individual control of each light-emitting unit through separate wiring units connected to the unshared electrode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement where each unit requires separate wiring in the same plane, to a three-dimensional structure where multiple units share electrodes through vertical stacking or layered configuration, reducing the footprint area while maintaining individual controllability
3Reliability
If each light-emitting unit is equipped with separate switching devices and capacitors for independent control, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light-emitting units share common cathodes or anodes, merging the electrical connection structure. This reduces the number of separate switching devices and capacitors needed while maintaining reliable individual control through the shared structure, thereby lowering device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The shared electrodes serve multiple light-emitting units simultaneously, creating a multi-functional electrical connection system. This universal structure reduces the quantity of switching devices and capacitors required, lowering both device complexity and cost while preserving reliable individual unit control
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 allows for a significant increase in light-emitting units within the same area, enhancing vertical angular resolution and point cloud density while reducing the number of switching devices and wiring, thus lowering costs and improving light-emitting efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) comprises a plurality of cavities, with each cavity forming one light-emitting point
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in the present disclosure is a laser for use in a LiDAR, the laser comprising: a plurality of light-emitting units, each light-emitting unit comprising a plurality of light-emitting points, wherein the plurality of light-emitting units share a cathode or an anode; and each light-emitting unit is respectively provided with a wiring unit; and each wiring unit is electrically connected to an unshared anode or cathode of its corresponding light-emitting unit. The area of a laser provided with a plurality of light-emitting units does not increase, and echo light beams generated from detection light beams emitted by the plurality of light-emitting units are received by the same detector, thereby improving the vertical angular resolution and point cloud density of a LiDAR.