LIDAR System Component Reduction via Shared ADC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face increased cost and complexity due to the duplication of electronic components required to process multiple system output signals.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system with electronics that include a mathematical operation component receiving multiple digital electrical signals from a common analog-to-digital converter, allowing for reduced component duplication and increased efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple analog-to-digital converters are used to process multiple system output signals, then signal processing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal processing functions into a single analog-to-digital converter by using optical delay lines to sequentially present different channel signals to the same converter. This merging approach eliminates the need for multiple converters while maintaining the ability to process multiple channels, directly resolving the contradiction between processing capability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single analog-to-digital converter is designed to perform multiple functions by receiving different channel signals at different times through the optical delay line mechanism. This multi-functionality allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized components, reducing overall system complexity while preserving processing capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If multiple analog-to-digital converters are used for each channel, then measurement precision is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple conversion functions into a single analog-to-digital converter, the patent reduces the bill of materials and manufacturing costs. The optical delay line architecture ensures that each channel still receives dedicated processing attention sequentially, maintaining measurement precision while eliminating the cost penalty of component duplication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates temporal copies of the signal processing function rather than physical copies of the hardware. The optical delay line generates time-separated versions of different channel signals that are presented to the same converter, achieving the effect of multiple converters without the associated manufacturing cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system includes one or more optical components that output multiple system output signals. The system also includes electronics that use light from the system output signals to generate LIDAR data. The LIDAR data indicates a distance and/or radial velocity between the LIDAR system and one or more object located outside of the LIDAR system. The electronics including a series processing component that processes electrical signals that are each generated from one of the system output signals. The series processing component processes the electrical signals generated from different system output signals in series.