Matrix-Addressable Solid-State LIDAR Laser Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems for autonomous vehicles rely on mechanical scanning and a limited number of lasers, which are unreliable and inefficient, especially in varying environmental conditions, and face challenges in electrically connecting and controlling large numbers of lasers for precise control.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state LIDAR system with a 2D matrix of lasers and a matrix-addressable laser drive circuit that allows individual control of each laser, enabling independent operation and optimal electrical characteristics for each laser, reducing the need for mechanical scanning and improving reliability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical scanning is used with a limited number of lasers, then the system structure is simpler, but the reliability and efficiency deteriorate in varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with an electro-optical solid-state laser array system. Instead of using mechanical moving parts to scan a limited number of lasers, the invention uses an array of multiple solid-state lasers (e.g., VCSELs) that can be electronically controlled to emit light in different directions and at different times, thereby eliminating mechanical components and improving reliability in varying environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the laser system into multiple independent laser elements arranged in an array (e.g., 2D matrix of VCSELs). Each laser element can be individually controlled and addressed, allowing the system to achieve complex scanning patterns and high-resolution mapping without mechanical movement. This segmentation enables parallel operation of multiple lasers, improving efficiency and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If a large number of lasers are used for precise control, then the mapping resolution improves, but the difficulty of electrical connection and control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple laser elements into a single integrated solid-state array module. The lasers are arranged in a compact 2D matrix and share common electrical connections and control infrastructure. This merging approach allows precise individual control of each laser element while reducing the overall complexity of electrical connections compared to having separate laser systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal control architecture where a single controller can address and control all laser elements in the array through standardized electrical interfaces. The control system uses multiplexed addressing schemes (e.g., row-column matrix addressing) that allow any laser element to be selectively activated, providing universal control capability that simplifies the electrical connection complexity.
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 system provides high-resolution 3D mapping with improved reliability and environmental adaptability by allowing individual control of each laser, enhancing performance characteristics such as field-of-view and optical power levels, while maintaining a low-cost and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
Each VCSEL 200 in the VCSEL array 300 emits a laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A solid state LIDAR transmitter with matrix-addressable laser drive circuit includes a first electrical bus that provides a first voltage potential to columns of the matrix-addressable laser drive circuit and a second electrical bus that provide a second voltage potential to rows of the matrix-addressable laser drive circuit. A plurality of column switches connects the plurality of columns to the first electrical bus. A plurality of row switches connects the plurality of rows to the second electrical bus. The transmitter includes a plurality of series connected diodes comprising a laser diode in series with another diode, where a respective one of the plurality of series connected diodes is electrically connected between a respective column and row of the matrix-addressable laser drive circuit to form the LIDAR transmitter. At least some of the second diodes increasing an overall reverse breakdown voltage of the series connected diodes.