Solid-State Optical Receiver Driver With Integrated Test Signal Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical receiver systems in Lidar systems for automotive applications face challenges in achieving high availability and precision with minimal detection errors, as existing systems lack effective testing methods to ensure consistent performance.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state optical receiver driver system with an integrated test signal generation unit that provides a test signal to optical receiver channels, allowing for validation of their functioning, and includes a multiplexer, transimpedance amplifier, and digital-to-analog converter for accurate signal processing and gain matching, enabling reliable testing before and during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional optical receiver systems are used without integrated testing capability, then the system structure remains simple, but the reliability and detection precision cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the test signal generation unit directly into the optical receiver system, combining testing functionality with the main receiver components. This integration allows the system to perform self-diagnosis and validation without external testing equipment, thereby improving reliability while keeping the overall structure manageable through functional consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical receiver system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can receive optical signals during normal operation and generate/test signals during validation mode. The same hardware infrastructure supports both primary reception functionality and self-testing capabilities, reducing the need for separate dedicated testing equipment and improving system versatility.
2Measurement precision
If traditional optical receiver systems are used without integrated testing capability, then the device complexity remains low, but the measurement precision and detection accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary testing and validation of optical receiver channels before actual measurement operations. By pre-validating channel functionality and characteristics, the system ensures that subsequent measurements are performed on verified, functional channels, thereby improving detection accuracy without adding complex real-time correction mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated test signal generation unit enables feedback mechanisms where the system can monitor its own performance, validate channel responses, and adjust or flag problematic channels. This self-monitoring capability improves measurement precision by ensuring that only validated channels contribute to final measurements, while the feedback loop maintains system integrity.
3Reliability
If separate testing equipment is used for optical receiver validation, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical receiver system performs self-testing through its integrated test signal generation unit. The system validates its own channels using internal resources rather than requiring external testing equipment. This self-service approach reduces testing time by eliminating setup and teardown of external equipment, while maintaining comprehensive validation through the system's own controlled testing sequences.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a Solid-state optical receiver driver system (1), particularly for automotive applications, comprising at least one optical receiver channel (4), the optical receiver channel (4) being connectable to a respective optical receiver (3), which is characterized in that the solid-state optical receiver driver system (1) further comprises at least one test signal generation unit (5), for providing a test signal to the at least one optical receiver channel (4). The invention further relates to a method for testing a solid-state optical receiver driver system (1).