Vehicular LiDAR Power Modes for Thermal and Range Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive radar and lidar systems face challenges in thermal management and power consumption, particularly when integrating computer vision processing, leading to excessive heat and energy usage, which affects the durability and efficiency of the systems.
Innovation Solution
A power management and thermal management system that dynamically adjusts the power and duty cycle of lidar sensors based on vehicle speed, driving conditions, and environmental factors, allowing for variable power modes to optimize energy consumption and thermal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If power is increased to lidar sensors to extend detection range and improve sensitivity, then detection performance is improved, but power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment of lidar sensors based on real-time driving conditions. The control unit modifies transmission power levels according to vehicle speed, ambient temperature, and detection requirements, allowing the system to operate at optimal power levels rather than fixed maximum power, thus extending detection range when needed while reducing power consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of lidar sensors including transmission power, duty cycle, and sampling frequency based on driving conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves extended detection range when high performance is required while maintaining reduced power consumption during standard driving scenarios.
2Measurement precision
If power is increased to lidar sensors to improve detection sensitivity, then detection performance is improved, but thermal management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment of lidar sensors based on real-time driving conditions. The control unit modifies transmission power levels according to vehicle speed, ambient temperature, and detection requirements, allowing the system to operate at optimal power levels rather than fixed maximum power, thus extending detection range when needed while reducing power consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively manages thermal conditions by monitoring sensor temperature and preemptively adjusting power levels before excessive heat accumulation occurs. The control unit reduces power to lidar sensors when temperature thresholds are approached, preventing thermal damage and maintaining reliable operation in high-temperature environments.
3Productivity
If duty cycle of lidar sensors is increased to improve detection coverage, then sensing performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by adjusting the duty cycle of lidar sensors to provide sufficient detection coverage rather than continuous maximum operation. The control unit determines appropriate duty cycle levels based on driving conditions, applying just enough sensing activity to maintain safety and performance while minimizing power consumption by allowing sensors to remain inactive during periods when full detection coverage is not required.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing power consumption for a vehicular lidar sensing system includes providing power to each lidar sensor of one or more lidars of the lidar sensing system. Each lidar has a corresponding field of sensing exterior of the vehicle. A speed of the vehicle is determined as the vehicle travels along a road, and electrical power is provided to the lidar sensor of the vehicular lidar sensing system as the vehicle travels along a road. An initial level of electrical power is determined for the lidar sensor based on the determined speed of the vehicle. A change in a driving condition is determined and, responsive to the determined change in driving condition, the electrical power provided to the lidar sensor is adjusted.