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 […]
LIDAR
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 […]
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 key considerations for integrating lidar and radar data for robust perception: part 2
Practical techniques for improving sensor fusion accuracy In addition to the usual design techniques for improving sensor performance such as (1) calibration to correct errors including multi-point calibration for higher accuracy, and regular recalibration to correct for drift over time; (2) signal conditioning to correct for errors like offset and linearity, amplified signals for improved signal-to-noise […]
Key considerations for integrating LiDAR and radar data for robust perception: part 1
For autonomous vehicle (AV) applications, both radar and LiDAR (light detection and ranging) are often used in addition to high-definition cameras and other sensors. The proper fusion of the output from these devices enables the detection of obstacles, identification of lane markings, and the accurate recognition of other vehicles and pedestrians. The radio waves (typically […]
What do the latest imaging systems in airborne objects reveal? Part 2
Archeological searching is being conducted from above at altitudes well below those of satellite orbits. One group of researchers has used an airborne laser scanner (ALS) mounted to a helicopter’s skid pad to reveal several cities between 900 and 1,400 years old beneath the tropical forest floor in Cambodia. The first LiDAR (light detection and […]
Using LIDAR for Transmission Power Lines
Dave Brown of Terra Remote Sensing explains the use of LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) technology to Randy Frank at the IEEE 2011 Power Systems Conference & Expo (PSCE) held March 20-23, 2011, in Phoenix, AZ. LIDAR is being widely used by utility companies to map transmission lines for adverse conditions and vegetation. For more […]
