Phase Light Modulator Steering Rate via Segmented Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser scanning systems face limitations in steering rate due to restrictive data load rates, particularly in applications like automotive vehicles and LIDAR systems, where the number of signal driving circuits is high, limiting the speed and accuracy of laser beam deflection.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanning system with a phase light modulator (PLM) featuring micromirrors arranged in a 2D array, where electrode lines couple to respective sets of micromirrors, and signal driving circuits adjust their heights using phase ramp signals, reducing the number of signal driving circuits needed and increasing the steering rate by converting digital signals to analog for precise height control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual signal driving circuits are used for each micromirror, then precise control of micromirror heights is achieved, but the number of signal driving circuits increases, limiting the steering rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the micromirror array into multiple groups, where each group is controlled by a shared signal driving circuit. This segmentation allows precise control within each group while reducing the total number of driving circuits, thereby resolving the contradiction between control precision and steering rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple micromirrors into groups that share common signal driving circuits and electrode lines. By combining control resources, the system reduces the number of independent driving circuits needed while maintaining adequate control precision through group-based phase modulation.
2Ease of operation
If digital signals are used for controlling micromirror heights, then ease of processing is achieved, but data load rate remains restrictive, limiting steering speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces digital signal processing with analog phase ramp signals for controlling micromirror heights. This substitution eliminates the need for high-speed digital-to-analog conversion for each micromirror, significantly increasing the steering rate while maintaining control precision through analog phase modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control signal parameter from digital values to analog phase ramp signals. This parameter change allows continuous adjustment of micromirror heights with higher speed, as analog signals can be generated and modified more rapidly than discrete digital signals, thereby increasing steering speed.
3Measurement precision
If a large number of signal driving circuits are used, then control resolution is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into groups of micromirrors, each managed by a shared signal driving circuit. This segmentation maintains control resolution within groups while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating the need for individual driving circuits for each micromirror.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes signal driving circuits universal by having each circuit control multiple micromirrors within a group. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of driving circuits needed, simplifying the system while preserving control resolution through group-based phase modulation.
4Manufacturing precision
If individual electrode lines are used for each micromirror, then precise height adjustment is achieved, but the number of electrode lines increases, limiting PLM size reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electrode lines by having shared electrode lines serve multiple micromirrors within a group. This merging reduces the total number of electrode lines required, allowing for a more compact PLM design while maintaining height adjustment precision through group-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the electrode line network into shared lines that serve specific groups of micromirrors. This segmentation strategy reduces the overall electrode line count and PLM area while preserving precise height control within each segmented group.
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 configuration enhances the steering rate and resolution of the laser beam, allowing for faster and more accurate deflection, particularly beneficial for applications requiring high data rate capacity like automotive and LIDAR systems, while also reducing the size of the PLM and increasing the range of deflection angles.
Implementation Method 1
electrode lines coupled to respective sets of the micromirrors, and signal driving circuits coupled to the electrode lines and configured to control the respective sets of the micromirrors via the electrode lines
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes micromirrors in rows and columns of a two-dimensional (2D) array, electrode lines coupled to the micromirrors, where the electrode lines are coupled to respective sets of the micromirrors, and signal driving circuits coupled to the electrode lines, the signal driving circuits configured to control the respective sets of the micromirrors via respective electrode lines.