Lidar Test Circuit Using Optically Coupled Splitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing approaches for LIDAR sensor systems are prone to inaccuracies and uncertainty due to factors such as optical coupling between components, making it challenging to characterize and monitor these devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device testing circuit is introduced, featuring a pair of optically coupled splitters that split input signals into optical and reference signals, allowing for accurate characterization of devices under test without sources of inaccuracies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional testing approaches are used for LIDAR sensor systems, then testing can be performed, but measurement precision deteriorates due to optical coupling between components causing inaccuracies and uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical signal path into separate testing and reference paths using optical splitters. This segmentation isolates the device under test from optical coupling with other components, allowing independent characterization of each component's performance without interference from optical coupling effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical splitters and isolators as intermediary components between the device under test and other optical components. These intermediaries prevent direct optical coupling while allowing signal transmission, thereby eliminating the source of measurement inaccuracies caused by unwanted optical interactions.
2Measurement precision
If a testing circuit with optically coupled splitters is used, then measurement precision improves by eliminating optical coupling inaccuracies, but device complexity increases due to additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical splitter network to serve multiple functions: it simultaneously provides signal distribution to the device under test, extracts reference signals for comparison, and isolates components from unwanted optical coupling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate testing components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing circuit is designed to be self-contained, where the optical splitters and isolators automatically perform both signal routing and reference signal extraction without requiring external control or adjustment. This self-service capability simplifies the testing process and reduces operational complexity despite the added hardware.
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
The proposed solution enables robust and scalable testing of LIDAR sensor system components, eliminating sources of inaccuracy and being compatible with wafer-level measurements for high-volume manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a first splitter optically coupled to a first connection and to a first device... The first splitter and the second splitter are optically coupled to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A device testing circuit for a LIDAR sensor system of a vehicle includes a first splitter optically coupled to a first connection and to a first device, the first device configured to generate a first output signal in response to receiving a first optical signal from the first connection through the first splitter, and a second splitter optically coupled to a second connection and to a second device, the second device configured to generate a second output signal in response to receiving a second optical signal from the second connection through the second splitter. The first splitter and the second splitter are optically coupled to each other.