Light Detector Signal-to-Noise Ratio via Segmented Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light detectors and distance measuring devices face challenges in accurately detecting reflected light and measuring distances due to noise interference and inefficiencies in signal processing.
Innovation Solution
The proposed light detector incorporates a semiconductor photon-multiplier integrated on a semiconductor substrate, featuring a configuration of channel units and selection and integration circuits that selectively connect light detection elements to output nodes, enhancing signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all light detection elements are continuously connected to output nodes, then the light detector can capture all reflected light signals, but noise interference increases and signal-to-noise ratio degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The light detector divides the semiconductor substrate into multiple channel units, each handling a specific spatial region. The selection and integration circuits selectively connect only the channel units corresponding to the laser beam's current position to the output node, segmenting the detection process both spatially and temporally. This segmentation prevents noise from inactive regions from degrading the signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining comprehensive light capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic connection control where the selection and integration circuits actively switch which channel units are connected to output nodes based on real-time laser beam position. This dynamic reconfiguration optimizes the signal-to-noise ratio by ensuring only relevant detection channels are active during each measurement cycle, rather than maintaining static connections for all channels.
2Reliability
If the light detector uses a large number of light detection elements to enhance sensitivity, then detection capability improves, but noise interference and signal processing burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The selection and integration circuits perform preliminary selection of which channel units should be active before the integration process. By pre-determining which spatial regions are relevant based on laser beam position, the system prepares the optimal subset of detection elements for each measurement cycle, enhancing sensitivity only where needed while avoiding the processing burden of all elements.
3Measurement precision
If the light detector integrates signals from all channel units simultaneously, then comprehensive light detection is achieved, but signal-to-noise ratio degradation occurs due to noise accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The selection and integration circuits extract and isolate the signals from only those channel units that correspond to the active laser beam position. By taking out and processing only the relevant spatial region's signals while excluding others, the system achieves comprehensive detection coverage over time without accumulating noise from irrelevant regions, thereby maintaining distance measurement accuracy.
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
This configuration effectively suppresses degradation in signal-to-noise ratio, enhances sensitivity to reflected light, and improves the accuracy of distance measurements by selectively integrating signals from light detection elements.
Implementation Method 1
a light detection element DC for detecting the incident light
Implementation Method 2
semiconductor photon-multiplier (semiconductor photon-multiplier, and in particular, silicon photon-multiplier (SiPM))
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, a light detector (14) includes: a first set (CHU1) and a second set (CHU2) of light detection elements each being disposed in a first region (SeR) on a substrate; and a first (XFR1) and a second (XFR2) selection and integration circuit each being disposed in a second region (SwR) outside of the first region on the substrate. The first selection and integration circuit is configured to select a first subset of light detection elements (CU) in the first set, and integrate outputs from the light detection elements in the first subset. The second selection and integration circuit is configured to select a second subset of light detection elements (CU) in the second set, and integrate outputs from the light detection elements in the second subset.