LiDAR Shared Clock Source for Receiver Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR systems face issues with clock mismatch, clock drift, and increased space and power consumption due to multiple independent clock sources, particularly in rotational systems, leading to synchronization problems and noise introduction across rotational boundaries.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a shared clock source remotely connected to multiple receiver detectors on a single PCB, synchronizing their operation and reducing redundant clock-generating circuits to enhance synchronization and reduce space and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent clock sources are used in each receiver detector, then each detector can operate independently, but clock mismatch and clock drift occur leading to synchronization problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple independent clock sources into a single shared clock source that serves all receiver detectors. This merging eliminates clock mismatch and drift between detectors while maintaining independent operation capability through software-controlled triggering, directly resolving the synchronization problem caused by multiple independent clocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared clock source is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides timing signals to all receiver detectors simultaneously, enables synchronized operation across the entire LiDAR system, and maintains backward compatibility with existing detector architectures. This universal clock source replaces the need for individual clock sources in each detector.
2Reliability
If multiple independent clock sources are used in each receiver detector, then each detector can operate independently, but space and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple clock generation circuits into a single shared clock source, the patent eliminates redundant power consumption from duplicate oscillators and timing circuits in each receiver detector. The shared clock provides timing signals to all detectors, maintaining independent operation capability while significantly reducing overall system power consumption.
3Reliability
If multiple independent clock sources are used in each receiver detector, then each detector can operate independently, but device space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates the clock generation functionality from multiple distributed clock sources into a single shared clock source located on the PCB. This merging eliminates the need for separate oscillator circuits, timing generators, and associated components in each receiver detector, thereby freeing up significant PCB real estate while preserving independent detector operation through software control.
4Reliability
If multiple independent clock sources are used in rotational systems, then each detector can operate independently, but noise is introduced across rotational boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
In rotational LiDAR systems, the patent uses a shared clock source to provide synchronized timing signals to all receiver detectors mounted on rotating components. This eliminates noise and interference that would arise from clock mismatch between detectors at different rotational positions, while maintaining independent operation capability through software-controlled triggering sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system may include a transceiver disposed on a first substrate and comprising a plurality of receiver detectors; and a shared clock source disposed remotely from the transceiver on a second substrate and comprising a shared clock that is structured and arranged to control and synchronize operation of the plurality of receiver detectors to determine time-of-flight or reflectance.