Doppler LIDAR Sensor Chip With Priority-Based Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems for ADAS and autonomous vehicles rely on mechanically moving parts for scanning, which are prone to failures and high costs, and do not efficiently prioritize sensing data from multiple directions in time-critical applications.
Innovation Solution
A Doppler LIDAR sensor chip with an array of pixels and an interface module that uses grating couplers, photo-detectors, and mixers to detect modulated light signals, and a data prioritization method to convey more urgent data first, eliminating the need for mechanical scanning and optimizing data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical scanning parts are used to sense objects in various directions, then the LIDAR system can determine directions of objects, but the system suffers from shorter mean time to failure and higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning parts with a stationary LIDAR sensor chip that uses an array of pixels and optical elements to sense objects in various directions simultaneously. The chip includes multiple grating couplers and photo-detectors arranged to receive light from different directions without any moving mechanical components, thereby eliminating the reliability issues associated with mechanical scanning while maintaining multi-directional sensing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical scanning parts are used to sense objects in various directions, then the LIDAR system can determine directions of objects, but the system incurs higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical scanning components with a stationary integrated LIDAR sensor chip that uses semiconductor fabrication processes to create arrays of pixels, grating couplers, and photo-detectors. This integration approach significantly reduces manufacturing costs while providing equivalent or superior multi-directional sensing capability through parallel optical paths.
3Productivity
If sequential scanning over the field of view is used, then data from all directions can be collected, but detection and response time are negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the field of view into multiple discrete directions, each corresponding to a specific pixel or group of pixels on the LIDAR sensor chip. Each pixel independently detects objects in its specific direction simultaneously, eliminating the need for sequential scanning. This segmentation approach allows parallel data collection from all directions, dramatically reducing detection and response time while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If all directions are scanned equally, then complete spatial coverage is achieved, but time-critical data from specific directions cannot be prioritized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements priority-based data transfer mechanisms that assign different priority levels to data from different directions or regions of interest. The interface module can identify time-critical data from specific directions and transmit it with higher priority through dedicated data paths, while less critical data from other directions is transmitted with lower priority. This allows the system to maintain complete spatial coverage while ensuring that time-critical information is processed and transmitted first.
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
Enables efficient, priority-based data transmission from multiple directions without mechanical parts, improving detection and response times in LIDAR systems, enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of ADAS and autonomous vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
a grating coupler for selectively coupling into the chip a modulated light signal
Implementation Method 2
a photo-detector optically coupled with the grating coupler, for detecting a modulated light signal from objects being sensed
Implementation Method 3
at least one mixer, coupled with the photo-detector and the interface module, for mixing at least one local replica signals with the detected signal or a signal derived from the detected signal, and producing at least one mixing product signals
Data Source
AI summary
Doppler LIDARs, such as those used in ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) and autonomous vehicles, may need to sense objects at many directions. Some of the Doppler LIDAR devices use mechanically moving parts to scan over a range of directions and the various directions are not sensed simultaneously but sensed in turns over time. Mechanical moving parts generally have higher costs, lower reliability and shorter Mean Time To Failure (MTTF). The LIDAR sensor on chip with Doppler-sensing pixels disclosed herein uses a Doppler sensing-chip that enables Doppler LIDAR devices to sense many directions simultaneously in parallel without having to use mechanical scan and mechanical moving parts, even without having to use electronic scan. Lower costs, higher reliability, and faster detection time as well as higher direction sensing accuracy are objectives of this invention.