Monolithic Chip-Scale LiDAR Transceiver With Wedge Prism Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems require multi-chip solutions due to separate driver circuitry and photodiodes, which are less efficient than integrated single-chip solutions.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic LIDAR transceiver integrates a photodiode with driver circuitry and laser, utilizing a series of wedge prisms to steer laser pulses and achieve accurate timing of return pulses, allowing for a single integrated circuit solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a multi-chip solution is used with separate driver circuitry and photodiodes, then the system can be manufactured with current technology, but the system efficiency and integration density are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate driver circuitry, photodiodes, and timing circuits onto a single chip to form an integrated LIDAR transceiver. This merging eliminates the need for multiple discrete chips and interconnections, thereby improving system efficiency while maintaining manufacturability through standard semiconductor fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated transceiver chip performs multiple functions including laser driving, light detection, and timing measurements all within a single device. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve high efficiency without requiring separate specialized components for each function.
2Productivity
If driver circuitry and photodiodes are integrated onto a single chip, then system efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LIDAR system into distinct functional modules (driver circuitry, photodiode array, timing circuits) that are then integrated on a single chip. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system efficiency, and the modular structure simplifies the integration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a multi-chip three-dimensional arrangement to a planar two-dimensional integration on a single chip. This dimensional change reduces the physical footprint and interconnection complexity while maintaining all necessary functional separations through careful layout design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate circuits are used for driver circuitry and timing circuitry, then each circuit can be optimized independently, but the overall system performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges driver circuitry and timing circuits onto the same chip with direct interconnections, enabling synchronized operation and reduced signal propagation delays. This combination maintains the ability to optimize each circuit independently through separate design processes while achieving superior system performance through integrated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces shared resources and common reference signals as intermediaries between the driver and timing circuits. These intermediaries enable coordinated operation and signal synchronization, allowing both circuits to function at their optimal performance levels while maintaining system-level integration benefits.
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 monolithic LIDAR transceiver enhances efficiency by enabling accurate distance measurements to target objects using a single integrated circuit, improving performance over multi-chip systems.
Implementation Method 1
refracting, by a first wedge prism in a first position and a second wedge prism in a second position, the laser beam in a second direction
Implementation Method 2
reflecting the laser beam off of a first target object to produce a first reflected light beam in a direction opposite the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system includes a static monolithic LIDAR transceiver, a collimating optic, and a first rotatable wedge prism. The static monolithic LIDAR transceiver is configured to transmit a laser beam and receive reflected laser light from a first target object. The collimating optic is configured to narrow the transmitted laser beam to produce a collimated laser beam. The first rotatable wedge prism is configured to steer the collimated laser beam in a direction of the first target object based on the first rotatable wedge prism being in a first position.