Seed-Modulated LiDAR Optics for Temporal Channel Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lidar sensor systems face challenges in efficiently performing modulation and multiplexing with limited hardware resources, particularly in generating and managing multiple modulated optical signals for transmit and local oscillator channels.
Innovation Solution
A seed modulation module is introduced, which includes optical amplifiers and a control circuit to selectively turn on amplifiers and perform amplitude or phase modulation, allowing for temporal multiplexing of multiple transmit and local oscillator channels, thereby sharing limited hardware resources efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple transmit channels are temporally multiplexed to share hardware resources, then hardware requirements are reduced, but modulation and multiplexing efficiency becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements temporal multiplexing by periodically switching between multiple transmit channels using a modulator. Each channel is activated in sequence at specific time intervals, allowing multiple channels to share the same hardware resources (laser source, modulator, detectors) while maintaining distinct signal transmission. This periodic switching enables resource sharing without sacrificing modulation efficiency, as each channel receives dedicated modulation resources during its active time slot.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically allocates hardware resources to different transmit channels based on temporal requirements. The modulator dynamically switches between channels, and the system adapts the timing and duration of channel activation to optimize resource utilization. This dynamic resource allocation allows the limited hardware to efficiently serve multiple channels without permanent dedicated assignments, resolving the contradiction between reduced hardware complexity and maintained productivity.
2Device complexity
If multiple local oscillator channels are temporally multiplexed, then hardware resources are shared efficiently, but signal synchronization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms to maintain synchronization when temporally multiplexing multiple local oscillator channels. The system monitors the timing and phase of each LO channel and adjusts their activation to ensure proper synchronization with corresponding transmit channels. This feedback control ensures that even though hardware resources are shared through temporal multiplexing, the signal synchronization remains reliable for coherent detection and ranging measurements.
3Device complexity
If a single laser source is used for multiple channels, then system cost is reduced, but signal differentiation between channels becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic temporal multiplexing to differentiate signals from multiple channels that share a single laser source. Each channel is activated in distinct time slots with specific duty cycles, creating temporally periodic signal patterns. The system detects and measures signals by identifying their temporal characteristics and association with specific time slots, enabling channel differentiation without requiring separate laser sources. This approach reduces system cost while maintaining the ability to distinguish between channels through time-based signal characteristics.
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 enables stable modulation and multiplexing of multiple optical signals, reducing hardware requirements and improving the efficiency of lidar systems in generating modulated signals for accurate distance and velocity measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical amplifier coupled to the first optical path. The plurality of second optical amplifiers may be respectively coupled to the plurality of second optical paths
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging (lidar) system for a vehicle may include an input optical path, a first optical path, a plurality of second optical paths, a first optical amplifier, and a plurality of second optical amplifiers. The input optical path may be configured to receive a beam from a laser source. The first optical path and the plurality of second optical paths may be respectively branched from the input optical path. The first optical amplifier may be coupled to the first optical path and configured to output a local oscillator (LO) signal. The plurality of second optical amplifiers may be respectively coupled to the plurality of second optical paths, one of the plurality of second optical amplifiers being selectively turned on to modulate the beam received through a second optical path and output a modulated optical signal of the beam.