Multi-Wavelength LiDAR Signal Correction for Higher SNR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-resolution LiDAR systems face challenges in maintaining signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) due to non-linear transmit signals, which increases system complexity and cost when ensuring linearity, making them inefficient for practical applications.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR system utilizing a signal generator that produces multiple wavelengths, a transceiver with a focal plane array, and a processor that corrects target signals by superposing them with frequency-modulated reference signals, allowing for improved SNR without increasing system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reference signal method is used to ensure linearity of transmit signals, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reference signal generation and target signal processing into a unified superposition process. The reference clock signal is generated by superposing the local oscillator signal with the receive signal, and this same reference clock signal is then used to correct the target signal, merging multiple functions into a integrated process that reduces system complexity while maintaining SNR improvement
Solution Approach 2:
The reference clock signal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a timing reference for signal sampling, provides a basis for correcting nonlinear distortions in the target signal, and enables frequency offset compensation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reference signal generation systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple wavelengths are used to improve resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-wavelength signal processing into independent parallel channels, where each wavelength is processed separately through its own mixer and signal path. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high resolution through multi-wavelength operation while managing complexity by treating each wavelength as an independent processing unit that can be handled through standardized procedures
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 solution enhances SNR and accuracy in LiDAR systems by correcting target signals using a reference clock signal, reducing distortion and maintaining system efficiency without additional components or cost.
Implementation Method 1
generate a target signal by mixing a first local oscillator signal with a receive signal incident after the transmit signal is reflected from a target
Implementation Method 2
generate a reference signal by mixing a second local oscillator signal with a light delay signal generated through a reference arm
Implementation Method 3
generate a superposed signal by superposing the target signal and the reference signal
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Provided is a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system including a signal generator configured to generate a plurality of pieces of light having different wavelengths, a transceiver including a transmitter configured to output the plurality of pieces of light as a transmit signal, and a receiver configured to generate a target signal by mixing a first local oscillator signal with a receive signal incident after the transmit signal is reflected from a target, and generate a reference signal by mixing a second local oscillator signal with a light delay signal generated through a reference arm, and a circuit operably connected to the signal generator and the transceiver, the circuit being configured to control an operation of the signal generator and an operation of the transceiver, wherein the receiver includes a superposer configured to generate a superposed signal by superposing the target signal and the reference signal.