Pixel Voltage Switching in Light Receivers for Low-Power LiDAR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light receiving devices in distance measuring systems, such as LIDAR, face increased power consumption due to the reception of background light like sunlight, which can lead to unnecessary multiplication and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a light receiving device with a configuration that includes a plurality of pixels, each equipped with a photoelectric conversion element and a power supply capable of changing the applied voltage, allowing for the differentiation between measurement and non-measurement pixels by adjusting the voltage across photodiodes to reduce power consumption during background light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If photodiodes continuously operate in multiplication mode to detect reflected light, then distance measurement capability is maintained, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary multiplication of background light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operational state of photodiodes changeable over time. Photodiodes are dynamically switched between multiplication mode and non-multiplication mode based on whether they are currently receiving reflected measurement light or only background light. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain measurement precision when needed while reducing power consumption during periods when photodiodes are not contributing to distance measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through time-division multiplexing where photodiodes are activated in multiplication mode only during specific time windows when reflected measurement light is expected to arrive. Between these active periods, photodiodes transition to non-multiplication mode. This periodic activation pattern ensures that distance measurement capability is maintained during measurement cycles while minimizing unnecessary power consumption during idle periods.
2Area of stationary object
If all photodiodes operate simultaneously in multiplication mode, then measurement coverage is maximized, but noise from background light multiplication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the array of photodiodes into multiple groups that operate at different time intervals. Instead of all photodiodes operating simultaneously, they are segmented into separate measurement cycles where only subsets are active at any given time. This segmentation reduces the total number of photodiodes performing multiplication at any moment, thereby reducing the cumulative noise generated from background light multiplication while still providing comprehensive measurement coverage across the entire array over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action by implementing time-division multiplexing where different groups of photodiodes are activated in alternating periods. Each group operates in multiplication mode during its designated time window and remains in non-multiplication mode during other periods. This periodic activation pattern allows the system to maintain full spatial measurement coverage across all photodiodes while limiting the simultaneous multiplication noise to only the active subset at any given time.
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 approach effectively reduces power consumption by switching voltage settings for non-measurement pixels, thereby minimizing unnecessary multiplication and enhancing the overall efficiency of the light receiving device.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the pixels includes a photoelectric conversion element configured to be able to detect incidence of a photon
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present embodiment, a light receiving device includes a plurality of pixels. Each of the pixels includes a photoelectric conversion element configured to be able to detect incidence of a photon and a power supply portion configured to change an applied voltage applied across both ends of the photoelectric conversion element.