Networked LIDAR ICs Synchronized Laser Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
LIDAR systems for vehicular applications face challenges in compact design due to limited photon reception caused by sensor size constraints, heat management issues in integrated circuits, and low output power of laser light, leading to reduced accuracy and range detection.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR ranging system comprising multiple networked integrated circuit chips with synchronized laser activation, where each chip determines and adjusts its activation delay based on elapsed time to emit laser photons simultaneously, increasing the number of received photons while maintaining compactness and adhering to safety regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor size is increased to receive more returned photons, then the accuracy and range detection capability are improved, but the system size increases beyond vehicle design constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR system is divided into multiple independent ranging units, each with its own laser driver and sensor. These units are distributed across multiple integrated circuit chips that are networked together. Each chip handles a portion of the overall photon detection task, allowing the system to achieve high measurement precision without requiring a single large sensor array that would exceed vehicle design constraints.
2Measurement precision
If the laser output power is increased to emit more photons, then the range detection capability is improved, but safety regulations are violated due to potential damage to impinged objects
Solution Approach 1:
The laser emission function is segmented across multiple ranging units, each operating at low power levels. Instead of using a single high-power laser that would violate safety regulations, the system distributes the photon emission across many low-power laser sources. The combined effect of multiple low-power emissions achieves the necessary range detection capability while maintaining safety compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple low-power laser emissions that collectively provide sufficient photon return for accurate ranging. Rather than relying on a single excessive power level that would be harmful, the patent employs partial action from multiple sources, where the cumulative effect of many low-duty-cycle emissions achieves the desired detection capability without violating safety standards.
3Measurement precision
If multiple ranging units are used to increase received photons, then the sensitivity and range are improved, but the device complexity increases due to networked integrated circuits
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ranging units are merged into a coordinated network where each unit operates semi-independently but contributes to a unified measurement outcome. The integration of multiple simple ranging units achieves the sensitivity of a complex single unit while avoiding the full complexity burden, as each chip maintains its own laser driver and control circuitry rather than requiring a fully centralized complex system.
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 solution enhances the sensitivity and range of LIDAR systems by increasing received photons by the square of the number of chips while maintaining emitted photons proportional to the number of chips, achieving improved accuracy and range detection without increasing size or violating safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
LIDAR systems are used to measure distance to a target by illuminating the target with pulsed laser light and measuring the reflected pulses with a sensor
Implementation Method 2
Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems are used to measure distance to a target by illuminating the target with pulsed laser light and measuring the reflected pulses with a sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A ranging system includes a first ranging unit with a first laser driver, a first control circuit generating a first trigger signal, and a first data interface with a first trigger transmitter transmitting the first trigger signal over a first data transmission line and a first calibration receiver receiving a first calibration signal over a second data transmission line. A second ranging unit includes a second laser driver, a second data interface with a second trigger receiver receiving the first trigger signal and a second calibration transmitter transmitting the first calibration signal, and a second control circuit generating the first calibration signal in response to receipt of the first trigger signal. The first control circuit determines an elapsed time between transmission of the first trigger signal and receipt of the first calibration signal. The determined elapsed time is used to synchronize activation of the first and second laser drivers.