Today’s reality Q: Can you buy FMCW components or a complete system today? A: Absolutely. There are many companies offering one or both paths to a complete system. For example, the Aeva CoreVision Lidar-on-Chip Technology of Figure 1 with a 500-meter range has an integrated silicon photonics module. The module incorporates all key FMCW LiDAR […]
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
FAQ on the basics of FMCW LiDAR: part 3
This alternative to time-of-flight LiDAR has unique complexities and distinct attributes. Modeling and simulation Q: What design analysis is done on an FMCW LiDAR system? A: In a word: lots. Much of the analysis parallels or leverages what has been done for radar, as there are so many similarities in operating principles and the analytical […]
FAQ on the basics of FMCW LiDAR: part 2
This alternative to time-of-flight LiDAR has unique complexities and distinct attributes. Part one begins our look at what FMCW LiDAR is, the architecture and components it uses, and its performance capabilities. Electronic and optical components build a system Q: What hardware components are needed to create a basic FMCW LiDAR system? A: One perspective is […]
FAQ on the basics of FMCW LiDAR: part 1
This alternative to time-of-flight LiDAR has unique complexities and distinct attributes. When engineers hear the phrase LiDAR, an acronym for Light Detection and Ranging, they generally think of time-of-flight (ToF) systems. ToF LiDAR is widely used in automotive and robotic applications to “see” surroundings and obstacles. But there is another, radically different LiDAR approach: frequency […]
How can you choose, use, and trust a piezoelectric accelerometer?
Dynamic vibration measurements are critical in many applications, from military to automotive/trucks and machinery, as well as critical manufacturing sites, such as semiconductor wafer fabrication (fabs), and even to detect/monitor seismic events. Piezoelectric accelerometers are one of the sensor types frequently used for these measurements. Parameters for specifying piezoelectric accelerometers include response type (AC or […]
What are the latest advances in radar and LiDAR technologies for sensor fusion: part 3
In addition to improved performance from individual sensing technologies, including radar and light detection and ranging (LiDAR), other ongoing advances for sensor fusion are required for more complex advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and to achieve the highest levels of autonomous driving (AD). Future trends in other technologies for sensor fusion Ongoing advances to improve sensor […]
What are the latest advances in radar and LiDAR technologies for sensor fusion: part 2
In contrast to the widespread use of radar sensing, automotive applications for light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors are much more limited. This is due in part to their bulky size (especially electromechanical LiDAR) and high cost. Similar to radar designs, except that LiDAR uses lasers instead of radio waves for detection and ranging, it […]
What are the latest advances in radar and LiDAR technologies for sensor fusion: part 1
Through sensor fusion, the combined benefits of radar and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensing are being implemented in each new generation of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Improvements in these sensing technologies will provide improved performance for future applications. However, they will also require advancements in cameras and other system aspects, including inertial measurement […]
How can designers evaluate and benchmark sensor fusion systems for autonomous machines?
It is always good to remember or be reminded that “If you cannot measure it, you cannot improve it,” as Lord Kelvin observed. This is certainly true for today’s newest design approaches, such as sensor fusion. For safety-critical and highly regulated situations such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving (AD), key performance […]
What are the design challenges when using SPAD sensors?
Single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) sensors are emerging on the market and are being used in automotive, medical, and industrial applications requiring extremely high sensitivity, precise timing, and 3D imaging capabilities, often in low-light conditions. Design challenges include managing dead time, suppressing noise sources like afterpulsing and dark counts, mitigating optical crosstalk, and achieving high photon […]
