LIDAR Power Control for FMCW Detection Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power consumption and power dissipation in frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) LIDAR systems are significant challenges for achieving high-performance yet low-cost LIDAR products, impacting the cost, form factor, and platform range, particularly in electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system with a controlling means that dynamically manages power consumption by controlling electrical and optical components, including amplifiers, light sources, and thermal sensors, to reduce power usage through dynamic power level operation, standby modes, and scene-dependent adjustments, optimizing power usage based on the operational mode and scene analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If FMCW LIDAR systems operate at high power levels to maintain detection capabilities, then detection performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by enabling the LIDAR system to switch between different power modes (first power mode with higher power consumption and second power mode with lower power consumption) based on operational requirements. The controller dynamically adjusts the power level of optical components, allowing the system to adapt its power consumption to the actual detection needs rather than operating at constant high power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the power levels of optical components between different modes. The controller modifies parameters such as the drive current to light sources and amplification levels in electrical amplifiers, enabling the system to transition between high-performance detection mode and low-power standby mode, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining detection capability and reducing power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If LIDAR systems use multiple optical components and amplifiers to enhance performance, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LIDAR system into distinct functional modules with independent power control, including light sources, optical amplifiers, electrical amplifiers, and a controller. Each module can be independently managed and switched between power modes, allowing the system to maintain detection precision when needed while reducing overall complexity in low-power states by selectively deactivating non-essential components.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions by managing power distribution across different operational modes, coordinating between light sources, optical amplifiers, and electrical amplifiers. This multi-functional control architecture reduces the need for separate dedicated control circuits for each component, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining detection precision through coordinated operation of all components.
3Productivity
If LIDAR systems operate continuously at full power, then productivity is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between high-power detection periods and low-power standby periods. The controller switches the system between first power mode (higher power consumption for active detection) and second power mode (lower power consumption for standby), allowing the LIDAR to maintain detection throughput when needed while minimizing energy dissipation during periods when full detection capability is not required.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices that relate to light detection and ranging (LIDAR). A controlling means for a LIDAR system includes a means for determining a current operational state of the LIDAR system regarding a predefined threshold state. The controlling means also switches the LIDAR system from a first operational mode to a second operational mode when the determined operational state exceeds the predefined threshold state. The second operational mode corresponds to an operational power of at least one operational means of the LIDAR system being lower than in the first operational mode.