Pulsed time-of-flight laser radar module with millimeter-level accuracy using full custom receiver and TDC ASICs

Abstract

A laser rangefinding device based on a pulsed time-of-flight distance measurement technique was constructed and tested. The aim, millimeter-level measurement accuracy with low power consumption, cost, and size, were achieved using full-custom application-specific integrated circuits in significant parts of the device, the receiver channel, and the time-to-digital converter. The accuracy of the device with a measurement time of one second and of the optomechanical head used in the measurements is at the mm-level in the case of a noncooperative target at a measurement range from 4 to 34 m and at a temperature between -10/spl deg/C and +50/spl deg/C.